Suns owner on tanking: 'Worse than any prop bet scandal' - ESPN
ESPN
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia has strongly condemned the practice of tanking in the NBA, calling it "losing behavior done by losers" and形容 it as "much worse than any prop bet scandal." In a recent post on X, Ishbia criticized teams for intentionally losing games to secure higher draft picks, labeling such actions as disgraceful and damaging to the league's integrity. He emphasized that tanking undermines fair competition andembarrasses both organizations and the NBA as a whole.
Ishbia's comments come amid growing concerns about tanking in the NBA, with multiple teams facing fines for sitting players before the All-Star break. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has also acknowledged the severity of the issue, stating that it is "worse this year than we've seen in recent memory." Silver hinted at potential penalties, including stripping teams of their draft picks, to address the problem.
The Suns themselves have not been able to benefit from tanking due to trades made since Ishbia acquired the team in 2023. This has left them without control over their first-round pick until 2032. However, Ishbia remains confident that Silver will find a solution to this issue, which he believes is harmful to fans and teams genuinely competing for playoff spots.
Tanking is not just a strategic move but a deliberate effort to throw games, which has far-reaching consequences for the league's reputation. Fans who pay to watch competitive basketball are left disappointed when teams prioritize future draft picks over on-court performance. This practice also puts pressure on teams that are legitimately striving to win and compete for playoff spots.
The debate over tanking highlights the tension between short-term gains and long-term sustainability in sports leagues. While teams may see tanking as a way to rebuild, critics argue that such actions erode trust in the league and alienate fans. The NBA's efforts to address this issue, including Silver's commitment to finding a solution, underscore the importance of maintaining integrity and fairness in professional sports.
In conclusion, Ishbia's strong stance against tanking reflects a growing consensus within the NBA community that such practices are detrimental to the league's overall health. As the discussion continues, stakeholders will need to balance competing interests while ensuring that the fan experience remains at the forefront of their priorities.
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Originally published on ESPN on 2/19/2026