NBA Board of Governors passes anti-tanking rules, expands lottery
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- The NBA board of governors approved a new draft lottery system called the 3-2-1 system, reducing the odds of the worst teams receiving top picks to discourage intentional losing or tanking.
- Under the new format, the three worst teams each get two lottery balls (5.4% chance at No. 1 pick), while the next seven worst teams get three balls each (8.1% chance), with other teams receiving fewer balls accordingly.
- The new rules passed 29-1, with the Memphis Grizzlies dissenting due to implications on traded picks, including restrictions on picks acquired from the Utah Jazz.
- Additional measures allow the NBA commissioner to fine teams up to $10 million, reduce lottery odds, or impose other penalties on teams suspected of tanking, and prevent teams from winning the No. 1 pick two years in a row or top-5 picks three consecutive years.
- The system will be in place through the 2029 NBA Draft, after which the league will vote on whether to continue or modify it, aiming to create stronger incentives for teams to compete rather than intentionally lose games.