The NBA’s board of governors voted overwhelmingly Thursday to approve changes to the league’s draft lottery format, including an expansion of the lottery field from 14 teams to 16 teams.
The approved reform also includes anti-tanking measures, marking a significant adjustment to how the league manages draft positioning among teams that miss the playoffs.
Lottery Format Set for Expansion
Under the revised structure, more non-playoff teams will be included in the lottery process. The change broadens the group of teams involved in determining the top of the draft order.
The move reflects the league’s continued effort to address competitive balance and reduce incentives for teams to prioritize draft position over late-season results.