The start of the 2025-2026 NBA season has gotten off to a crazy start, but not necessarily because of any block-buster performances or legendary games. While we’ve seen stars like Victor Wembanyama and Steph Curry hit the ground running, the real eye catcher to the start of the season has been the large betting scandal that has come to light, implicating several big names around the sport and calling the integrity of the league into question.[1]
The scandal involves allegations that coaches and players were defrauding betting companies by using insider knowledge that was not available to the public to place bets and collect large profits.[2] For example, one allegation states that Terry Rozier, then point guard for the Charloette Hornets, told people close to him that he was planning to leave a game early and advised them to place bets on his “unders.” Rozier then left that game after just nine minutes, and members of this betting ring profited over two hundred thousand dollars.[3]
The scandal came to light this past Thursday, October 23, when the FBI arrested Rozier along with Portland Trail Blazers Coach Chauncey Billups and former Cleveland Cavaliers player and coach Damon Jones.[4] NBA Commissioner Adam Silver made his first public comments about the scandal on Friday, October 24, where he said he was “deeply concerned” about the alleged illegal betting and emphasized the importance of the integrity of the competition.[5]
The shocking nature of the scandal was enough to garner the attention of the United States Congress, who requested Silver provide a briefing about the scandal by October 31.[6]
This scandal carries massive implications for both the league and its fans. For the league, it is clear that there is a serious integrity problem that needs to be addressed to ensure that games are not being potentially sabotaged from within. Should the league be unable to ensure they are producing a true and uncorrupted product, it is likely that ratings will plummet, thus causing a disaster for the league and owners across the board.
Just as importantly for fans, who are more engaged in sports betting than ever before, this scandal raises serious questions as to how, if at all, fans can bet on sports while being confident their bets are not being manipulated by outside influences.
[1] David Spector, NBA is risking billions in legal expenses, brand damage over betting scandal, experts say: ‘Everybody is concerned’, New York Post (October 25, 2025).
[2] Jack Maloney, NBA gambling scandal: Adam Silver makes first public comments, says he was ‘deeply disturbed’ by allegations, CBS Sports (October 24, 2025).
[3] Tim Reynolds, Unusual betting patterns surrounding play of Terry Rozier in 2023 game with Charlotte investigated, Associated Press (January 30, 2025).
[4] David Purdum, Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier arrested in gambling inquiries, ESPN (October 23, 2025).
[5] Phil Helsel, NBA commissioner says he’s ‘deeply disturbed’ by gambling case, NBC (October 24, 2025).
[6] Issy Ronald, Congress requests briefing from NBA commissioner Adam Silver on gambling scandal, CNN Sports (October 26, 2025).
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