NBA Anti-Tanking rules announced, lottery moves from 14 to 16 teams
The NBA has announced new anti-tanking rules aimed at promoting competitive play among teams. Starting in the 2026-2027 season, the lottery will expand from 14 to 16 teams, and the bottom three teams will receive fewer lottery balls. Additionally, teams will be restricted from picking in the top five for consecutive years, altering the dynamics of draft selections.
- ▪The NBA's anti-tanking rules will debut in the 2026-2027 season.
- ▪The number of lottery teams will increase from 14 to 16.
- ▪The bottom three teams will now receive two lottery balls instead of three.
- ▪Teams cannot win the No. 1 overall pick in consecutive years.
- ▪These changes aim to encourage competitive basketball towards the end of the season.
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