The NBA is taking another look at how it handles tanking.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the league informed all 30 teams that it has begun a renewed review of potential policy changes aimed at discouraging intentional losing.
Those discussions could include tweaks to draft pick protections, possible adjustments to the lottery system, and other mechanisms designed to reduce incentives for teams to bottom out.
Nothing is imminent, but the fact the league is reopening the conversation suggests concern about how teams are navigating rebuilds under the current rules.
Meanwhile, the NBA is also tightening its approach to sports betting.
Charania reports the league is implementing several new betting-related policies, including stricter injury reporting requirements. Teams will now be required to resubmit injury reports on game days between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. local time and update public listings every 15 minutes.
In addition, the NBA is pushing gaming companies to modify certain player prop bets. That includes limiting maximum wager amounts, restricting “unders,” narrowing the pool of eligible players, and eliminating bets tied to a single action on a single play.
All of it points to the league trying to regain control — both competitively and commercially — as scrutiny around tanking and gambling continues to grow.
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I don’t believe the actual fan cares about tanking. Actually get a kick out of it when there team does it. This is an ESPN talking heads created issue that a lot of other reporters just jumped on. Every sport does it. Browns…. Astros. With a salary cap there is no other way to get out of mediocrity. The vaunted spurs and thunder front offices both tanked.