NBA Teams Could Be Fined Millions For Resting Stars

Financial penalties are likely to be much steeper for NBA teams who rest healthy players this coming season. 

The NBA’s board of governors is set to vote on new rules Wednesday that would see teams fined well over $1 million for certain load-management offenses, according to multiple reports. 

NBA commissioner Adam Silver currently has the right to fine teams on an individual basis if he feels they’re not acting in the best interests of the league.

For years, fans and media have criticized the league for allowing teams to sit star players during the 82-game regular season, even when fully healthy. The new guidelines are built to combat those moves, especially for nationally televised matchups and in-season tournament games.

If the rules are passed, teams may not rest more than one healthy player who has made an All-Star or All-NBA team in the previous three seasons in any game — and must play all their healthy stars during games on national TV or the in-season tournament.

It’s All About TV Money

In 2024, the NBA will begin negotiating new media rights deals that would take effect in 2025. A guarantee that its best players will be on the court could help the league in its attempts to reach $75 billion in media revenue.

Additionally, the in-season tournament debuting this fall could be sold as its own package of games — a move which would place even more importance on NBA star power.