Memphis Grizzlies Stand Alone in 29-1 Vote Approving NBA Anti-Tanking Rules
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The NBA Board of Governors on May 29, 2026, approved a new set of anti-tanking regulations designed to curb deliberate losing, league sources said. The measure passed with near-unanimous backing—29 of the 30 franchises voted in favor—while the Memphis Grizzlies cast the lone dissenting ballot.
League officials did not release details of the Grizzlies’ objections, but multiple people familiar with the meeting described the team’s position as “self-interested,” noting that Memphis feared the changes could negatively affect its own draft-position strategy.
The policy, slated to take effect next season, gives the league office expanded authority to investigate suspected tanking and introduces stiffer financial penalties for teams found guilty of intentionally compromising competitive integrity.
A spokesperson for the NBA confirmed the final vote tally but declined to comment on the substance of Memphis’s opposition. The Grizzlies also did not immediately issue a public statement.
With the rules now adopted, the league will circulate detailed guidelines to all 30 clubs ahead of summer meetings, according to an internal memo reviewed by The Post.
Source: New York Post
