The NBA is actively exploring new ways to combat tanking as part of a broader effort to protect competitive integrity and address vulnerabilities exposed earlier this season. The initiative follows a gambling scandal that forced the league to reexamine how late-season incentives can distort on-court decisions.
Shams Charania reported on ESPN that the league has begun gathering input from team owners and general managers on potential rule changes. The discussions took place during a recent board of governors meeting, where several concepts were presented as part of an initial brainstorming process.
According to the report, league officials outlined possible modifications to draft pick protections, the draft lottery structure, and other mechanisms tied to roster management. These conversations come as the NBA tightens policies around insider information and performance manipulation.
The league rolled out new measures on Friday aimed at curbing improper information sharing following federal indictments involving Miami guard Terry Rozier, Portland head coach Chauncey Billups, and former player Damon Jones. That investigation also highlighted how injury reporting and lineup decisions were allegedly exploited by gamblers seeking inside knowledge.
As a result, tanking has become a more urgent issue for league officials. In recent seasons, multiple teams have shut down players early or limited availability late in the year to improve draft positioning, often due to complex pick protections.
One idea discussed would limit draft protections strictly to the top four or to picks 14 and higher, removing mid-lottery protections that often incentivize losing. Another proposal would prevent teams from selecting in the top four in consecutive seasons.
The league also explored the possibility of locking lottery positions after March 1, a change designed to reduce the incentive for late-season lineup manipulation. Executives believe such a rule could encourage teams to continue competing even when playoff odds are slim.
The timing of these talks is notable given the current 2025-26 standings. Several franchises sit near the bottom of their conferences, including Washington, Sacramento, New Orleans, and the Clippers, all with fewer than eight wins entering late December.
By contrast, teams like Oklahoma City, Detroit, and New York have separated themselves early, creating a widening gap that often fuels tanking behavior among non-contenders. League officials see that disparity as part of the challenge.
None of the proposals have been formally adopted, and any changes would require approval from team ownership. For now, the NBA is focused on gathering feedback and assessing how draft-related incentives impact competition across an 82-game season.
