Adam Silver recently introduced some changes to combat the ever-growing issue of teams tanking. The draft lottery now includes more teams, all with standard odds. There are restrictions on protection with traded picks. However, even with these changes, those who want to lose might be willing to keep finding ways to benefit. That is why Charles Barkley wants there to be business implications.

Sports and business go hand-in-hand in the major leagues. While on Inside the NBA, Chuck revealed his key suggestion to prohibit the habit of tanking. He wants the commissioner to instill a rule that will hurt a losing team’s business.

“We’ve got to come up with some kind of solution because it’s not fair to the game first and foremost. It’s not fair to your fanbase. I’ve always suggested this rule. I don’t think any NBA teams should be able to increase their ticket prices if they are below .500. I’ve always said that… I think they should make that a rule in every spot to be honest with you,” said Barkley.

His logic was also simple. Tanking teams, in retrospect, gain a future advantage by having the best chance at a lottery pick. Simultaneously, they also enjoy a business boom every season when they increase the prices. “Then you’re getting your cake and eating it too,” Charles Barkley added. It’s a fine way to add some parity.

For NBA owners, as passionate as they are about winning, there is always a focus on increasing profits. Even the worst teams in the league have recently increased their ticket prices. If the NBA can implement such a rule, it could encourage teams to do their best to land above .500 at the end of the season.

News served to you like never before!

Prefer us on Google, To get latest news on feed

Prefer Us on Google

It hasn’t been considered, but fans have made their opinions very clear.

NBA fans support Charles Barkley’s anti-tanking plan

Some fans weren’t highly optimistic with Barkley giving solutions regarding tanking. But his suggestions surprised them. “Charles Barkley’s Plan To Financially Hurt NBA Owners Gets Unanimous Fan Support,” a fan wrote. The other two solutions included all lottery teams having even odds, something Silver has implemented. The third is removing protections from traded picks altogether.

However, his suggestion to restrict inflation in ticket prices for poor-performing teams stood out. “$35 a seat for under 50% teams would change everything,” a fan rightfully pointed. When the business gets hurt, owners will have no choice but to be ethical and try to win. Of course, not all teams can keep winning.

A team not trying to tank could still end up in this bracket. But it solves the biggest problem. Teams won’t try to intentionally put themselves at a disadvantage. “This could strip rewards from losing, make every team fight till the end. Pure passion,” a fan resonated. Because, as a concept, tanking has always existed around sports. Charles Barkley agrees that, to some degree, he experienced while in the league.

But it’s reached a point where teams are fighting to lose. That directly attacks the integrity of the game. Furthermore, fans pay their hard-earned money to watch their favorite teams. It’s unfair for them to spend even more when their team isn’t trying to fulfil their wishes. “Actually, a good idea, I like it. Don’t reward owners with more profits who are intentionally putting bad products out,” a fan explained.

In recent history, the Mavericks increased ticket prices after the Doncic trade. The Jazz and Wizards plan on doing the same going forward. Likewise, their fans aren’t happy with their actions. Once the pockets don’t fill as much, owners will grow an urgency to reach organizational success. The only way to achieve that would be to compete and improve from previous years.

“Charles Barkley’s insights on tanking could reshape the NBA’s competitive landscape for the better,” a fan wrote. It will need some work to account for small market teams failing to draw stars, and they already have inferior revenue. But it’s things that, with brainstorming, can be addressed.

As Chuck would say, it might serve as a guarantee for teams to compete and only reap value through winning. What are your thoughts on his plans? Let us know your views in the comments below.