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NBA Draft Lottery Overhauled to Curb Tanking
29 May
Summary
- New '3-2-1 Lottery' system approved by NBA Governors.
- System flattens odds and introduces draft relegation for non-playoff teams.
- Changes take effect starting with the 2027 NBA Draft.
The NBA Board of Governors has approved a new draft lottery system, dubbed the '3-2-1 Lottery,' designed to curb tanking. This reform will commence with the 2027 NBA Draft and is intended to remove incentives for teams to lose games. The system expands the lottery participants to 16 teams and flattens the odds for those missing the playoffs.
Under the new rules, teams receive one, two, or three lottery balls. Those not in the playoffs get three balls, but the three worst teams face 'draft relegation,' losing one ball. Play-In tournament teams receive two or one ball. Lottery balls are drawn for the first 16 picks, with pick floors and restrictions to prevent consecutive top picks or prolonged top-five selections.
Further measures include limitations on pick protections for traded selections and enhanced disciplinary authority for the league to address tanking. The '3-2-1 Lottery' will be active for the 2027, 2028, and 2029 NBA Drafts, with future rules to be decided later.
