NBA Proposes Flattened Draft Lottery Odds to Curb Tanking

League insider Shams Charania reveals the latest anti-tanking reform with the 'most momentum' ahead of a key May 28 vote.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:48pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstract NBA basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy, green, and gold conveying the energy and intensity of professional basketball.The NBA's proposed anti-tanking lottery reforms aim to disrupt the strategic incentives that have led some teams to prioritize draft position over on-court competitiveness.Today in Milwaukee

The NBA is looking to address the widespread issue of tanking, where the league's worst teams intentionally lose games to improve their odds of securing a high draft pick. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the league's latest proposal with the 'most momentum' involves flattening the draft lottery odds, where the bottom 10 teams would all have the same chance at the top pick.

Why it matters

Tanking has become a major problem in the NBA, with several teams openly prioritizing the draft over winning games late in the season. The league believes this undermines the integrity of the game and wants to find ways to incentivize teams to remain competitive throughout the year.

The details

Charania reported that the NBA is proposing a new draft lottery system that would give the bottom 10 teams in the league the same odds of securing the top pick. Currently, the team with the worst record has the best chance at the first overall selection, creating a strong incentive for struggling teams to lose games intentionally. Under the new proposal, that advantage would be eliminated, potentially reducing the motivation for teams to tank.

  • The NBA Board of Governors is expected to vote on the new anti-tanking rules on May 28, 2026.
  • The Washington Wizards currently have the worst record in the NBA at 17-62, while the Utah Jazz are on a 10-game losing streak.

The players

Adam Silver

The NBA Commissioner, who has made addressing the tanking issue a priority.

Shams Charania

An NBA insider who reported on the league's latest proposal to combat tanking.

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What they’re saying

“Sources told me there's a Board of Governors vote on May 28th for new anti-tanking draft lottery reform. The proposed concept with the most momentum right now is option one, and that's the one with the flattened odds, 18 teams, the bottom 10 teams will then have the same percent chance for the top pick.”

— Shams Charania, NBA Insider

“The one thing the league is trying to do is de-incentivizing jockeying for the bottom.”

— Shams Charania, NBA Insider

What’s next

The NBA Board of Governors is expected to vote on the new anti-tanking draft lottery reform on May 28, 2026. If approved, the changes would go into effect for the upcoming 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

The NBA's proposed changes to the draft lottery system aim to remove the incentive for teams to intentionally lose games late in the season. By flattening the odds for the bottom 10 teams, the league hopes to promote more competitive basketball throughout the year and preserve the integrity of the game.