Suns owner comments on tanking: ‘More detrimental than any betting scandal’
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia expressed his views on the topic of tanking in the NBA, labeling it as a “losing behavior exhibited by losers” and “far worse than any prop bet scandal.”
In response to a Yahoo Sports article regarding tanking on X on Thursday, Ishbia contributed to one of the prominent discussions of the NBA season. Several teams received fines before the All-Star break for resting players, and commissioner Adam Silver recognized the seriousness of the issue over the weekend.
“This is absurd! Tanking is losing behavior exhibited by losers,” Ishbia stated. “Intentionally losing is something no one should want to be linked with. It is embarrassing for the league and the organizations involved. Moreover, the notion of this being a ‘strategy’ is absurd.
“If you are a poor-performing team, you receive a favorable draft pick. That is logical. However, deliberately sidelining players and intentionally losing games is disgraceful and undermines the integrity of the entire league.”
This is absurd! Tanking is losing behavior exhibited by losers. Intentionally losing is something no one should want to be linked with. It is embarrassing for the league and the organizations involved. Moreover, the notion of this being a “strategy” is absurd.
If you are a poor-performing team, you receive a… https://t.co/VoUx3YEdB5
— Mat Ishbia (@Mishbia15) February 19, 2026
Due to trades executed since Ishbia assumed control of the team in 2023, the Suns are unable to gain from strategic tanking. Phoenix will not have control of its own first-round pick until 2032.
During his news conference at All-Star Weekend, Silver remarked that tanking has been “worse this year than we’ve seen in recent memory” and that the league is exploring options, including the possibility of revoking draft picks, as a potential remedy.
“It’s the entire community coming together and determining what is in the best interest,” Silver stated. “It is part of my responsibility to remind everyone. … I recognize what your short-term interests may be, but we must not lose sight of our fans here. We must not lose sight of the individuals who support this league consistently.”
In his post, Ishbia expressed his “complete confidence” that Silver would identify a resolution to tanking and urged those in positions of power within the NBA to voice their opinions.
“This is far worse than any prop bet scandal,” Ishbia stated. “This involves strategically throwing games. It is detrimental for fans who pay to watch and support their team. And it is detrimental for all the legitimate teams competing for playoff positions.”
