NBA Faces Mounting Pressure to Address Tanking as Silver Considers Rule Changes

The NBA is grappling with a growing concern over teams intentionally losing games to improve their draft lottery odds, a practice known as “tanking.” Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the issue during All-Star Weekend, acknowledging the increased prevalence of the tactic and signaling potential rule adjustments as early as the 2026-27 season. This comes amid a challenging year for Silver, marked by controversies surrounding player conduct, team finances, and competitive balance.

Silver Announces Potential Anti-Tanking Measures

During a meeting with NBA general managers on Thursday, February 19, 2026, Silver outlined seven potential rule changes aimed at disincentivizing tanking, according to ESPN [ESPN]. These proposals include:

• Allowing protection of first-round draft picks only for selections in the top four or outside the top 14.
• Freezing lottery odds at the trade deadline or later.
• Preventing teams from picking in the top four in consecutive years and/or after consecutive bottom-three finishes.
• Disallowing teams to pick in the top four the year after reaching the conference finals.
• Allocating lottery odds based on two-year rolling records.
• Extending the lottery to include all play-in teams.
• Flattening the odds for all lottery teams.

Growing Frustration and League Response

The issue of tanking has drawn criticism from team owners and players alike. Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia publicly called for “massive changes” on social media, labeling tanking as “losing behavior.” [ESPN] The league has already begun to take action, recently issuing a $500,000 fine to the Utah Jazz for conduct detrimental to the league after investigating their lineup management in games against the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat. [ESPN] The Indiana Pacers were also fined $100,000 for violating the Player Participation Policy. [ESPN]

Broader Challenges for Adam Silver

The tanking issue is just one of several challenges facing Adam Silver and the NBA. A CBS Sports report highlighted concerns about competitive balance, the financial situation of the Los Angeles Clippers, and a star player’s involvement with a prediction market. [CBS Sports] This marks Silver’s 12th full season as commissioner, and is shaping up to be his most difficult yet, following previous challenges such as the removal of Donald Sterling as Clippers owner. [CBS Sports]

All-Star Weekend Distractions

Despite the serious issues facing the league, All-Star Weekend was not immune to scrutiny. Empty seats at the event drew criticism, with many blaming high ticket prices and Adam Silver’s leadership. [Athlon Sports] The league also debuted a new All-Star Game format, pitting American teams against an international squad, in an attempt to boost fan interest. [Gazette.com] the introduction of “POV Mode,” an AI-powered feature allowing fans to view games through a player’s perspective, received mixed reactions. [The Ringer]

The NBA’s response to tanking and these other challenges will be crucial in maintaining the league’s competitive integrity and fan engagement in the years to come.