NBA officials met with congressional staff this week to discuss how the league collaborates with sportsbooks and its approach to addressing ongoing gambling scandals that have resulted in multiple federal indictments, The Associated Press reports.
The meeting reportedly took place because lawmakers have been putting increasing pressure on the NBA to explain its integrity policies following accusations of widespread match-fixing.
Key Takeaways
- NBA reps met with congressional aides to discuss gambling-related investigations involving players and coaches.
- Lawmakers have requested detailed info on the NBA's betting oversight and previous decision to clear Terry Rozier despite flagged wagers.
- The league is conducting an internal review of its integrity policies and partnerships with sportsbooks.
The session marked the first formal engagement between league representatives and congressional staffers since the investigations began, though it did not include commissioner Adam Silver or any sitting lawmakers, sources told The AP. The closed-door meeting followed federal indictments of several basketball figures, including Rozier, Billups, and former Cavaliers assistant coach Damon Jones.
Congressional leaders, including Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell of the Commerce Committee, have asked for full transparency regarding why Rozier was allowed to continue playing after sportsbooks flagged irregular betting activity tied to a Charlotte Hornets game in March 2023.
Lawmakers are seeking details about the league's internal investigation and the steps taken to maintain public trust in the sport.
Federal prosecutors claim Rozier worked with associates to manipulate bets linked to his player statistics in that game, mirroring earlier allegations against former Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter, who was banned from the NBA in 2024.
League memo outlines review of integrity measures
Ahead of the congressional inquiries, the NBA confirmed in late October that it is reviewing its integrity, reporting, and data-sharing procedures in response to the recent indictments. A league memo circulated to all 30 teams stated officials are reassessing policies on injury reporting, education for players and staff, and monitoring programs to detect suspicious betting activity.
The memo, obtained by ESPN, noted unusual betting patterns involving Rozier's player props were identified "in real time because the bets were placed legally." League officials stated the incident highlighted both the benefits of regulated wagering and the need for enhanced internal safeguards.
Prosecutors have described the recent cases as "insider trading in professional basketball," which has led to increased scrutiny of the NBA's partnerships with licensed betting companies. The investigation has sparked a new discussion about whether state-by-state regulation is enough. Silver has reiterated that he would prefer a single federal framework.
Suspicious UFC betting prompts sportsbook refunds
Integrity concerns have spread beyond basketball, as sportsbooks reported strange betting behavior in a recent UFC fight. Caesars Sportsbook and William Hill refunded all losing wagers on the Isaac Dulgarian vs. Yadier del Valle fight at UFC Vegas 110 after odds moved sharply before the bout.
Dulgarian's odds fell from -250 to -150 as betting surged on Del Valle, prompting Westgate and DraftKings to suspend markets entirely.
Dulgarian lost by first-round submission, leading to heightened scrutiny from fans and analysts. A Caesars spokesperson confirmed refunds were issued within 24 hours, while the UFC stated its integrity partner, Integrity Compliance 360, has begun an official review.
