NBA finalises 3-2-1 draft lottery reform to penalise team tanking
The NBA has presented its 30 general managers with a sweeping draft lottery reform proposal designed to eliminate tanking by penalising the worst-performing franchises from 2027 onwards.
The comprehensive overhaul, dubbed the “3-2-1 lottery”, is slated for an ownership vote on 28 May following extensive consultations with the competition committee.
Under the newly devised framework, the talent allocation system will expand from 14 to 16 franchises, introducing flattened odds and a relegation zone specifically targeting the bottom three records.
How the proposed lottery system works
Teams finishing outside the post-season positions but avoiding the bottom-three relegation zone will receive three lottery balls each in the pursuit of the first overall selection.
Conversely, those finishing in the newly established relegation tier will be restricted to just two lottery balls, severely diminishing their chances of securing elite collegiate prospects.
However, these struggling organisations will be protected with a guaranteed floor of the 12th pick. The remaining 13 lottery participants could theoretically fall as far down as 16th in the final draft order.
Ending the cycle of continuous failure
Franchises eliminated during the play-in tournament will also be allocated corresponding chances, receiving either two or one ball depending on their final seeding.
To further discourage intentional losing, the proposal dictates that no organisation can win the top overall pick in consecutive years or secure three successive top-five selections.
The North American basketball organisation would also grant itself expanded disciplinary authority to actively regulate tanking and unilaterally strip lottery odds from offending front offices.
Commissioner’s primary administrative objective
The proposed system includes a sunset clause meaning it would automatically expire following the 2029 draft, aligning closely with the conclusion of the current collective bargaining agreement.
The league’s commissioner established the eradication of purposeful losing as a paramount priority earlier this year ahead of a highly anticipated 2026 incoming rookie class.
The veteran executive has repeatedly warned that the current incentive structure practically forces rebuilding franchises to actively lose regular-season matchups in order to maximise future assets.