NBA 2026-2027 Season: New Rules Stop Teams From Losing on Purpose for Draft Picks

The NBA is changing rules to stop teams from losing on purpose. This is different from past seasons where losing could help teams get better draft picks.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

The National Basketball Association is reportedly set to introduce rule changes aimed at discouraging teams from deliberately losing games to gain an advantage in the draft. Commissioner Adam Silver has informed league general managers that these measures are planned for the upcoming season, signaling a concerted effort to address concerns about the integrity of the competition. The proposed changes, discussed in recent meetings, are designed to reduce the incentive for teams to finish poorly in the standings.

Background of Anti-Tanking Discussions

NBA teams have historically aimed to improve their rosters through the draft, with higher draft picks generally going to teams with worse regular-season records. This system has led to accusations and suspicions of "tanking," where teams might prioritize losing games over winning to secure a better draft position. The league has acknowledged this issue, with Commissioner Silver stating a desire to "safeguard the integrity of the sport." Discussions have involved various stakeholders, including owners, the competition committee, and general managers, with proposals being considered since December.

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Proposed Rule Changes

Several potential rule adjustments have been discussed to curb tanking:

  • Draft Pick Protections: First-round draft picks could be protected only for selections within the top four or outside the top 14.

  • Lottery Odds Freeze: Lottery odds might be fixed at the trade deadline or a later point in the season.

  • Consecutive Top-Four Picks: A team could be prevented from selecting in the top four in consecutive years.

  • Top-Four Picks After Poor Finishes: Teams might be prohibited from picking in the top four after finishing in the bottom three for consecutive seasons.

  • Top-Four Picks After Conference Finals: A team could be disallowed from picking in the top four in the year following a conference finals appearance.

  • Two-Year Record Allocation: Lottery odds could be determined by a team's record over the past two seasons.

  • Inclusion of Play-In Teams: The lottery might be extended to include all teams that participate in the play-in tournament.

  • Flattened Lottery Odds: The chances of securing a top pick for all lottery teams could be made more even.

The overarching goal of these proposals is to diminish the strategic advantage of intentionally losing games.

League's Stance and Stakeholder Input

Commissioner Silver has been described as "forceful" in his messaging regarding the need to solve the tanking problem. The league office has indicated that actions compromising the integrity of the sport will not be tolerated. These discussions have intensified, reflecting a shared concern among league executives about the long-term viability and perception of the NBA. Mike Krzyzewski, serving as senior advisor to basketball operations, was reportedly among those at a recent meeting who advocated for decisive steps against tanking.

Evidence of Intentional Losing

While not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the context of these rule changes suggests a perceived pattern of teams prioritizing draft position over present-season success. The NBA's move to implement new policies implies a belief that such behavior has become prevalent enough to warrant intervention. Recent instances where teams like the Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers faced fines related to player availability further underscore the league's attention to matters impacting competitive balance.

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Potential Impact on Team Strategies

The proposed rules appear designed to make the traditional "tanking" strategy less rewarding. By altering how draft picks are awarded and the influence of regular-season performance on lottery odds, teams may find it more beneficial to compete for wins throughout the season.

  • Limited High Picks: Capping the protection on draft picks could make it harder for teams to acquire high-value prospects through trades if those picks are not guaranteed to land in the lottery.

  • Trade Deadline Implications: Freezing lottery odds earlier could reduce the incentive for teams to sell off veteran players and become sellers at the trade deadline, as their draft position might be less critical.

  • Focus on Development: A longer-term perspective on roster building might shift, with greater emphasis placed on player development and in-season competitiveness.

Expert Analysis and League Consensus

Sources indicate a consensus among league executives that tanking poses a threat to the NBA's integrity and long-term health. Commissioner Silver's direct communication with general managers highlights the seriousness with which the league is approaching this issue. The engagement of various committees and advisors underscores a comprehensive effort to find effective solutions.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The NBA is moving forward with plans to enact anti-tanking rules for the upcoming season. These measures aim to ensure a more competitive regular season and preserve the integrity of the draft process. The specific details of the final rules will likely be subject to further discussion and approval, but the league's intent to curb intentional losing appears firm. This development represents a significant policy shift intended to address long-standing concerns within the sport.

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Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the NBA changing rules for the 2026-2027 season?
The NBA is changing rules to stop teams from losing games on purpose. This is to make the games fairer and keep the sport's integrity.
Q: How will the new NBA rules stop teams from losing on purpose?
The new rules will make it harder for teams to get an advantage in the draft by losing. They might change how draft picks are given or how lottery odds work.
Q: Who is affected by the NBA's new anti-tanking rules?
All NBA teams are affected. Teams that used to try to lose on purpose to get better draft picks will now have to try to win more games.
Q: When do the new NBA anti-tanking rules start?
The new rules are planned to start for the upcoming NBA season, which is the 2026-2027 season.
Q: What was the old problem with teams losing on purpose in the NBA?
Teams sometimes tried to lose games to get a better chance at picking high in the draft. This was seen as bad for the fairness and excitement of the games.
Q: What are some possible changes the NBA might make to stop tanking?
The NBA might protect draft picks so they can't be taken if a team is too bad for too long, or they might change how the lottery odds are calculated to make them more even for all teams.