NBA Draft Lottery 2025: Time, Format, and Where to Watch

The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery is one of the most highly anticipated events of the basketball offseason, as it sets the stage for the future of the league’s bottom-tier teams. With franchise-altering implications, fans and front offices alike are on edge to see which team will land the coveted No. 1 pick.

What Is the NBA Draft Lottery?

The NBA Draft Lottery is a system used to determine the order of selection for the teams that missed the playoffs in the previous season. The 14 non-playoff teams are entered into a weighted lottery system that favors teams with worse records, but randomness plays a key role. This year’s lottery will be closely watched, as several rebuilding teams are eyeing top-tier talent projected to enter the 2025 NBA Draft.

When Is the NBA Draft Lottery?

The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery will take place on Sunday, May 12, 2025, shortly before Game 4 of the NBA Conference Semifinals. The draw is scheduled to start at 8:00 PM ET, but coverage and analysis will begin earlier, so viewers are encouraged to tune in ahead of time for expert insights and live reactions.

Where to Watch the NBA Draft Lottery

Fans can watch the NBA Draft Lottery live on ESPN, which will offer full television coverage, including interviews and live updates from team representatives. For those who prefer to stream the event online, ESPN+ and the NBA App will also provide live streaming options, accessible on most devices.

How Does the Draft Lottery Work?

Each of the 14 teams in the lottery is assigned a set of ping pong ball combinations based on their regular season record. The top four picks are determined by the drawing, and the remaining teams are slotted in reverse order of their win-loss records. In 2025, the team with the worst record has a 14% chance of winning the No. 1 pick — the same odds as the next two worst teams — ensuring a fair but unpredictable process.

Top Prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft

The 2025 class includes several exciting names, with standout performances from college, G-League Ignite, and international players. Scouts are especially high on versatile forwards and two-way guards this year, making the lottery outcome potentially transformative for many franchises.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a fan of a rebuilding team or simply a basketball enthusiast, the NBA Draft Lottery is must-watch television. It combines hope, drama, and the thrill of chance — all setting the tone for the future of the league.