NBA Board of Governors approves new draft lottery rules
The NBA Board of Governors has approved a new draft lottery system aimed at reducing tanking among teams. Starting with the 2027 draft, the lottery will expand from 14 to 16 teams and implement measures to discourage teams from intentionally losing games. The new format includes changes to the distribution of lottery balls and prevents teams from winning the No. 1 pick in consecutive years.
- ▪The new draft lottery format will begin with the 2027 NBA draft.
- ▪It expands the lottery from 14 to 16 teams, including the 8-seed in each conference's playoff picture.
- ▪Teams with the three worst records will receive fewer chances for the No. 1 pick, while teams ranked 4th to 10th will have increased odds.
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