- Lottery expanded to 16 teams (all teams missing playoffs/play-in get entries). The three worst teams enter “draft relegation” and lose one of their three balls, reducing their odds. Teams finishing 4th–10th worst each receive two balls; losers of the No.7 vs. No.8 play-in games get one ball each. Top odds are flattened — the three worst teams will have 5.4% to win No.1; several other non-playoff teams have 8.1%.
- Board approved “expanded disciplinary authority” to address tanking. Possible penalties include lowering a team’s lottery odds or altering draft positions. League also banned back-to-back No.1 picks under the new rules. The measures are set to remain in effect through 2029 unless the Board votes to extend or change them.
- Flatter odds reduce the reward for finishing with the very worst records, directly targeting tanking strategies. Teams may rethink roster/lineup decisions late in seasons to avoid reputational and competitive penalties. Changes will affect draft strategy, trade calculus and competitive balance for the next three seasons.
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