Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia criticized tanking in the NBA on social media, calling it embarrassing and a disgrace to the league's integrity. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged that tanking behavior has worsened this season and announced plans for stricter anti-tanking rules. The comments come amid fines for teams like the Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers for resting players.
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia voiced strong opposition to tanking in the NBA on February 19, 2026, via his X account. "Tanking is losing behavior done by losers," Ishbia wrote. "Purposely losing is something nobody should want to be associated with. Embarrassing for the league and for the organizations." He argued that intentionally shutting down players and losing games undermines the league's integrity, describing it as worse than prop bet scandals and harmful to fans and playoff-contending teams.
The controversy arises as the 2026 NBA Draft approaches, featuring top prospects such as Kansas' Darryn Peterson, BYU's AJ Dybantsa, and Duke's Cameron Boozer. Tanking, the practice of deliberately losing to secure better draft positions, has intensified this season, with teams beginning earlier than usual. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the issue during All-Star weekend, stating, "Are we seeing behavior that is worse this year than we've seen in recent memory? Yes, in my view." He emphasized ongoing discussions with the competition committee and outside consultants to address the problem, noting that current measures are not working.
Silver recently fined the Utah Jazz $500,000 for resting players like Lauri Markkanen in the fourth quarter of close games, and the Indiana Pacers $100,000 for holding out healthy players including Pascal Siakam. On February 19, Silver informed all 30 general managers of upcoming anti-tanking rules for the 2026-27 season, including freezing lottery odds at the trade deadline and barring top-4 picks in consecutive years.
In contrast, Dallas Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban advocated embracing tanking on X, arguing it provides hope for small-market teams by improving chances through the draft. Cuban wrote, "The one way to get closer to (hope) is via the draft... You have a better chance of improving via all three when you tank." The Suns, who traded away their 2026 first-round pick swap rights in the 2023 Bradley Beal deal, have no incentive to tank, potentially influencing Ishbia's stance. Ishbia expressed confidence in Silver's leadership to implement massive changes.
