The NBA and WNBA have announced a new initiative to air public service announcements (PSAs) during the 2026-27 season aimed at educating fans about the risks associated with sports betting and prediction markets. These PSAs will be developed in partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and will be broadcast across multiple platforms including NBC/Peacock, Amazon, ABC, ESPN, and Disney+. The messages will stress that gambling should be approached responsibly, with set limits, and emphasize that betting is not a reliable way to generate income.

This move comes at a time when both leagues face scrutiny over their financial relationships with major betting companies like DraftKings and FanDuel. Since 2021, these firms have been official betting partners of the NBA, supporting point spreads and prop bets. Notably, star players such as LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo have endorsement deals with prediction market companies Polymarket and Kalshi respectively. Despite these partnerships, the NBA maintains strict bylaws prohibiting players, coaches, and team employees from gambling on sports.

The leagues’ decision to launch the PSA campaign also follows high-profile legal issues linked to gambling. In recent years, several former NBA figures have faced criminal investigations and charges related to illegal betting activities, including former coach Chauncey Billups and players Terry Rozier and Malik Beasley. The league also battles with instances where current players have been pressured by fans on social media and during games about betting activities. The campaign seeks to raise awareness and provide educational resources to mitigate gambling-related harm among fans.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has noted the practical benefits of regulated sports betting for monitoring abnormal behavior and ensuring ethical conduct within the sport. Both the NBA and WNBA emphasize that the campaign’s goal is to help fans make informed and responsible decisions when it comes to betting. WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison highlighted the importance of reaching fans with guidance on financial risks, limits, and support resources, reinforcing the leagues’ commitment to promoting a safer gambling culture despite their commercial ties to the industry.