When and Where?

The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery will occur on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET. ESPN will broadcast the event live from Chicago. While the actual ping-pong ball drawing happens earlier in a private session with team representatives, the results will be revealed during the primetime telecast.

How It Works

The lottery determines the first four draft picks, with picks 5–14 ordered by reverse regular-season records. The three teams with the worst 2024–25 records—Utah Jazz (17–65), Washington Wizards (18–64), and Charlotte Hornets (19–63)—each have a 14% chance to land the No. 1 pick. The Jazz are guaranteed a top-five selection regardless of the outcome.

Using 14 ping-pong balls to create 1,001 possible combinations, the first valid combination drawn awards the No. 1 pick. If a team is drawn multiple times, the result is voided and redrawn.

Top Prospects

Duke's Cooper Flagg, a 6-foot-9 forward dubbed a "once-in-a-generation talent," headlines the draft class. Scouts compare his two-way versatility to Jayson Tatum and Kevin Durant. Other standouts include Rutgers guard Dylan Harper (projected No. 2) and Baylor's VJ Edgecombe.

TV and Streaming

ESPN will air the event live in the U.S. Cord-cutters can stream via FuboTV, DirecTV Stream, or Sling TV (Orange package). International viewers should check regional networks like Sky Sports (UK) or DAZN (Canada).

Key Teams and Odds

New Orleans Pelicans (12.5%) and Philadelphia 76ers (10.5%) round out the top five in odds. The Brooklyn Nets (9%), Toronto Raptors (7.5%), and San Antonio Spurs (6%) also have notable chances. Historically, the Jazz have never held the No. 1 pick, while the Wizards last drafted first in 2010 (John Wall) and the Hornets in 1991 (Larry Johnson).

What's Next?

The 2025 NBA Draft will occur June 25–26 at Brooklyn's Barclays Center, with the first round on Day 1 and second round on Day 2. Teams will adjust strategies based on lottery results, and trades may further reshape the draft order.