The NBA and WNBA are taking additional steps to address the potential risks associated with sports betting as the 2026-27 NBA season approaches. The leagues announced a new responsible gaming campaign developed in collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling.
The campaign will focus particularly on educating young adults about sports betting and prediction markets, two ways of putting money on sports-related outcomes that have drawn increased attention from leagues and regulators. A new advertisement will appear across social media and traditional television platforms through NBA- and WNBA-owned channels as well as partner outlets.
One notable element of the initiative is its inclusion of prediction markets alongside conventional sports wagering. The leagues’ messaging stresses that both activities can expose participants to financial risk when they are not approached responsibly.
The campaign will also attempt to push back against the idea that extensive sports knowledge necessarily translates into gambling success. Its message is that money remains at risk regardless of how closely someone follows a league, team or player. The NBA and WNBA say betting or trading should be treated as entertainment rather than a strategy for generating income.
The educational campaign will encourage people who choose to wager or participate in prediction markets to establish limits on both the time and money they spend. Fans will also be advised against risking money they cannot afford to lose and encouraged to seek assistance when their participation becomes difficult to control.
The initiative goes beyond the potential financial consequences of gambling. According to the leagues, problematic participation can also affect mental well-being as well as relationships with friends and family. The NBA and WNBA plan to direct fans toward educational materials and resources designed to help people recognize potential problems and find assistance.
The National Council on Problem Gambling is working with the leagues on the campaign. The nonprofit organization focuses on preventing and reducing gambling-related harm through education, research, advocacy, prevention efforts and support resources.
NBA Head of Media Distribution and Partnerships Scott Kaufman-Ross said the campaign is designed to help fans understand the potential consequences of putting money on sports outcomes. WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison similarly said the effort will provide WNBA audiences with information about financial risks, limits and finding support when needed.
The initiative extends responsible gaming work the NBA has already undertaken with the National Council on Problem Gambling, while the new campaign will broaden that effort to WNBA audiences. The leagues have not yet disclosed all elements of the campaign.
Additional information about the creative material and its debut is expected to be announced later. For now, the campaign represents another effort by professional basketball’s two major U.S. leagues to address gambling risks as fans can place money on sports outcomes in multiple ways, including traditional betting products and prediction markets.
