Former Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban argued on social media that the NBA should accept tanking as a strategy, prioritizing fan experiences and affordability over competitive integrity. His comments followed NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's pledge to address what he sees as worsening tanking during the 2025-26 season. Cuban admitted to using the tactic with the Mavericks to secure talent like Luka Dončić.
Mark Cuban, now a minority owner of the Dallas Mavericks, posted on X on February 17, 2026, advocating that the NBA embrace tanking. He responded to Silver's remarks during All-Star Weekend, where the commissioner highlighted misaligned incentives due to modern analytics and promised remedies, including potential revocation of draft picks.
Cuban wrote, "The NBA [has] been misguided thinking that fans want to see their teams compete every night with a chance to win. It’s never been [that way]." He emphasized that the league is in the business of creating experiences, noting, "What they remember is who they were with. Their family, friends, a date. That’s what makes the experience special."
He argued fans seek hope for improvement, which tanking can provide through better draft positions, trades, and cap space. Cuban admitted the Mavericks tanked in the 2017-18 season, finishing 24-58 to position for the 2018 draft, where they acquired Luka Dončić at No. 3 overall after trading up. "We didn't tank often... but when we did, our fans appreciated it," he stated.
Cuban criticized fines for tanking, such as the $500,000 penalty to the Utah Jazz for resting Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. in a game, and $100,000 to the Indiana Pacers for roster decisions. He said the league should focus on affordability: "You know who cares the least about tanking, a parent who cant afford to bring their 3 kids to a game and buy their kids a jersey of their fave player."
Silver acknowledged the issue, stating, "Are we seeing behavior that is worse this year than we've seen in recent memory? Yes, is my view." He noted fines and closer scrutiny this season, while stressing not to lose sight of fans. The Mavericks, currently among teams with 19 or fewer wins, entered the All-Star break on a nine-game losing streak, their longest in 28 years, amid injuries to Kyrie Irving.
