LOS ANGELES – The specter of “tanking” – the deliberate pursuit of losses to improve draft positioning – has moved to the forefront of the NBA conversation far earlier than usual this season. What historically becomes a late-season concern has bled into February, fueled by anticipation of an exceptionally talented and deep 2026 NBA Draft class.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the issue extensively Saturday at the Intuit Dome during All-Star Weekend, following recent fines levied against the Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers for what the league deemed improper player management. “Are we seeing behavior that is worse this year than we’ve seen in recent memory? Yes, in my view,” Silver stated.
The situation has reached a point where fans of struggling teams are, in some cases, actively rooting for losses. “They’re actually rooting for their teams, in some cases, to be bad,” Silver observed, highlighting the perverse incentive structure currently in place.
The Jazz were fined $500,000 on Thursday for “conduct detrimental to the league” after coach Will Hardy benched key players Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. During the fourth quarters of games against Orlando and Miami. The Pacers received a $100,000 fine for holding out star forward Pascal Siakam and two other starters, a decision an independent physician determined violated the league’s Player Participation Policy.
Silver emphasized the league’s commitment to addressing the issue, warning teams that further actions compromising the integrity of games would be met with consequences, potentially including the forfeiture of draft picks. “It will lead to very unhealthy relationships between us and our teams,” Silver said, indicating a willingness to escalate penalties.
Beyond immediate disciplinary measures, the league is actively exploring fundamental changes to the draft lottery and overall draft process. The current system, Silver acknowledged, incentivizes losing. “It’s time to take a fresh look at this to see whether that’s an antiquated way of going about doing it,” he said. “we need a system to fairly…distribute players. What we’re doing, what we’re seeing now is not working.”
The core problem, as Silver articulated, lies in the misaligned incentives. Economists would point out that incentivizing a behavior inevitably leads to more of it. The current draft lottery structure, designed to give the worst teams a better chance at landing top prospects, has inadvertently created a situation where teams are rewarded for poor performance.
Silver also touched on several other key league matters during his All-Star Weekend press conference.
Expansion on the Horizon?
The possibility of league expansion, potentially to 32 teams, was discussed. Silver indicated that the Board of Governors would revisit the topic at its March meeting, with any concrete plans following that discussion. The process would involve opening bidding to potential markets and ownership groups. While Silver didn’t name specific cities, Seattle and Las Vegas are widely considered frontrunners. He clarified that relocation of existing teams is “not on the table right now.”
Clippers Investigation Ongoing
The NBA’s investigation into allegations that the Los Angeles Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer circumvented salary-cap rules through an outside sponsorship deal with Kawhi Leonard remains ongoing. Silver stated that the investigation, being handled by the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, was unaffected by the All-Star Weekend taking place at the Clippers’ Intuit Dome.
Gambling Probes Continue
Federal investigations into alleged sports betting violations involving several NBA personnel, including players Terry Rozier and Malik Beasley, former player and assistant coach Damon Jones and Portland coach Chauncey Billups, are also still pending. All four remain sidelined while the investigations continue.
WNBA Collective Bargaining
Silver acknowledged the urgency surrounding collective bargaining negotiations between the WNBA players and owners, with the league’s May 8 start date rapidly approaching. “We’re getting awfully close to the 11th hour when it comes to bargaining,” he said.
NBA Europe Progressing
Plans for a European-based subsidiary league remain on track, with potential play beginning in the 2027-28 season. Silver highlighted the need for improved arena infrastructure in Europe to support the venture, envisioning a league that mirrors the NBA’s global reach and appeal.
The commissioner’s comments underscore the NBA’s growing concern over tanking and its determination to find a solution that restores competitive balance and protects the integrity of the game. The league faces a complex challenge, balancing the desire to reward struggling teams with the need to discourage deliberate losing and maintain fan engagement.
