2026 NBA Draft Lottery: Odds, history and how it works
The official site for the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery. The participating teams and final Lottery odds will be determined at the conclusion of the 2024-25 regular season.
www.nba.comThe latest NBA Draft Lottery news is that the league is seriously considering major anti-tanking reform, with the strongest current proposal expanding the lottery field from 14 to 18 teams and giving the 10 non-playoff teams equal 8% odds at the No. 1 pick. A vote on the change is expected at the May 28 board of governors meeting, after the 2026 lottery on May 10.[1][4]
What’s being discussed
The most talked-about idea would make losing on purpose less rewarding by flattening the odds and drawing for all 18 lottery picks instead of just the top four. Another reported idea would further reduce the odds of the three worst teams, and Adam Silver has reportedly reacted positively to that concept.[1]
Timing to watch
The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery is scheduled for May 10, and the reform vote is expected on May 28. That means this year’s lottery will still use the current system, while the league may change the rules afterward.[4][1]
Current format
Under the existing system, the lottery determines the top four picks, and the worst team can finish no lower than fifth. The NBA says the 2026 lottery will again set the top four picks for the draft.[3][4]
Side chatter
There is also renewed debate around lottery integrity online, including claims from former players, but there is no proof the lottery is rigged. The real verified news is the reform discussion and the upcoming vote.[5][1]