The NBA has introduced new restrictions on certain types of player proposition bets and mandated comprehensive sports betting education for its personnel as part of efforts to strengthen the integrity of the league. These measures, effective for the current season, aim to limit wagering opportunities considered vulnerable to manipulation or undue influence.
The league notified sportsbooks that they will be prohibited from offering bets on which players record the first statistic of a game, including the first basket, three-pointer, rebound, assist, steal, or block. Bets on the outcome of the opening tip-off and wagering on players taking the “under,” particularly when involving those not expected to play significant minutes, will also be disallowed. Additional prohibitions include parlay bets featuring multiple “under” wagers tied to a single player, as well as certain “first-of” markets such as whether a player will miss their initial shot attempt or any shot within a specified time frame.
These restrictions come nearly a year after several high-profile arrests connected to alleged gambling operations involving former NBA figures. Among those arrested were Chauncey Billups, formerly the Portland Trail Blazers head coach; Terry Rozier, formerly of the Miami Heat; and Damon Jones, a former NBA player. The league had previously curtailed other prop bet offerings, including wagers involving players on short-term contracts, bets on turnovers or fouls, and missed free throws.
In addition to the betting limits, the NBA has required that all players, coaches, and training staff participate in live, in-person training on the league’s sports betting rules starting this season. This education initiative applies across NBA teams, with plans to extend the training and betting restrictions to WNBA games beginning in 2027.
Separately, scheduling adjustments have been announced for the Milwaukee Bucks’ upcoming season opener. To avoid clashing with the first game of the World Series, the Bucks’ home game against the Chicago Bulls on October 23 will tip off at 3 p.m. Central time, rather than the customary evening start.
In other league news, a dispute has arisen between Spanish club Basket Zaragoza and the Oklahoma City Thunder over the eligibility of lottery pick Aday Mara. Basket Zaragoza claims Mara remains under contract for the 2026-27 season and is therefore ineligible to play elsewhere without an international transfer agreement. The Thunder maintain that the NBA cleared Mara to play, citing his completion of three years of college basketball. This case involves notification to international governing bodies including the NBA and FIFA, highlighting ongoing complexities in managing international player transfers.