The National Basketball Association will bring together front office leaders from all 30 teams for a virtual meeting on Thursday as it continues exploring changes to the Draft system, with a primary focus on revising the lottery format.
Among the ideas being discussed, the league’s “Option 1” proposal is currently seen as the most likely path forward.
This version would expand the lottery field to 18 teams – the 14 that miss the playoffs plus the four eliminated via the Play-In Tournament.
The 10 teams that fail to reach the postseason would collectively control 80% of the lottery odds, each holding an equal 8% chance at the No. 1 pick, while the remaining 20% would be shared among the other eight teams.
League officials are working alongside team executives and the National Basketball Players Association to develop a system aimed at discouraging tanking.
The final decision rests with the Board of Governors, which is expected to vote on potential changes next month.
If approved, the new format would be introduced in the 2026-27 season and affect the 2027 NBA Draft.
18 Team Draft Lottery Reform Considered Frontrunner https://t.co/ss0LP3qwix
— RealGM (@RealGM) April 27, 2026
