Mark Cuban Proposes Controversial NBA Rule Change
The Mavericks minority owner suggests a controversial reform. Mark Cuban proposes reducing NBA game length from 48 to 40 minutes to combat tanking and improve the television viewing experience.
Jun 27, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban watches the game between the Dallas Wings and the Indiana Fever during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Photo Credit : © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The NBA world was shaken this week after the revelation of several controversial proposals to combat tanking. While these ideas have been widely criticized, Mark Cuban, minority owner of the Dallas Mavericks, has put forward a surprising alternative suggestion.
A Mathematical Solution to Preserve the Schedule
Mark Cuban has a different fix for the NBA’s scheduling dilemma — don’t cut games, cut minutes. Instead of trimming the 82-game season, Cuban proposes shortening games from 48 to 40 minutes.
“Make the games 40 minutes,” he said. “8 × 82 / 48 = 13.667. That’s the equivalent number of games you’d be cutting from the schedule — without touching arena leases. It works for college. It works internationally. It works in the WNBA.”
Cuban also ties the idea to modern viewing habits. “If you look at TV and streaming ratings, the less actual playing time there is, the higher the ratings,” he explained. “The less time fans have to commit, the more they enjoy watching.”
The appeal is obvious: keep the full 82-game structure — and with it, the league’s history and statistical benchmarks — while easing the physical load. Cutting games outright would complicate record-chasing, a key driver of NBA visibility, something highlighted again recently by Bam Adebayo’s latest run.
Make the games 40 minutes.
8 x 82 / 48 =13.667 That’s the equivalent number of games you would reduce the schedule by. Without breaking arena leases.
Works for college. Works for international. Works for the WNBA.
AND.
If you looking at tv and streaming ratings,… https://t.co/GXWNcMtaJT
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) March 28, 2026
Multiple Advantages but Historical Obstacles
Cuban’s proposal would present several advantages. It would reduce physical wear on players, could limit load management, and potentially increase the number of close games by reducing the time available to build large leads. Additionally, it would not impact arena contracts, television agreements, or player contracts.
However, this reform would face significant obstacles. The NBA has always played 48-minute games, representing another historical element that the league might hesitate to modify. Furthermore, this measure would not directly solve the tanking problem, the initial objective of current discussions.
Ironically, the Mavericks are among the teams currently engaged in a tanking strategy, which raises questions about Cuban’s real motivations for proposing such a reform of the current system.
With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
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