The NBA and WNBA announced a new responsible gaming campaign Tuesday, teaming up with the National Council on Problem Gambling to warn fans about the dangers of betting on basketball. The initiative launches during the 2026-27 NBA season and targets young adults who engage with sports betting and prediction markets.
The campaign centers on a new video spot that will run across social and linear platforms through both leagues’ owned channels and partner networks. League officials said the push comes as more fans find new ways to wager money on game outcomes.
The Main Development
Scott Kaufman-Ross, the NBA‘s Head of Media Distribution and Partnerships, said the leagues want fans armed with information before they put money on the line. “As the ways people engage with sports continue to evolve, it is important that fans understand the risks associated with putting money on sports outcomes,” Kaufman-Ross said. “Through this campaign, we want to help fans make informed decisions, understand the risk and, if they choose to bet, trade or anything similar, that they do so responsibly.”
WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison said the campaign extends that mission to the league’s growing fan base. “Helping our fans make informed decisions is central to this effort,” Edison said. “By bringing this campaign to WNBA audiences, we can reach more fans with practical guidance on understanding financial risk, setting limits and recognizing when and where to find support.”
What It Means
The partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling signals that both leagues view betting-related harm as a shared concern that extends beyond any single platform or sport. Derek Longmeier, president of the organization’s board of directors, framed the campaign as a starting point rather than a finished solution.
“Awareness is an important first step in preventing gambling-related harm,” Longmeier said. “We’re proud to support a campaign that brings greater visibility to the risks of sports betting and prediction markets and puts education at the forefront, helping fans better understand the potential for harm and the resources available to those who may need help.”
Context: Resources For Fans
The NBA WNBA responsible gaming campaign points fans toward ResponsiblePlay.org for information on managing risk and recognizing warning signs. Anyone worried about their own gambling habits, or those of someone close to them, can call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET. The helpline operates 24/7 and offers free, confidential support.
The timing places the launch alongside the start of the NBA’s 2026-27 season, which HoopsHype reported begins Oct. 20. The WNBA, meanwhile, is still wrapping up its 2026 campaign, with the WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream still underway.
What’s Next
The leagues have not detailed how long the campaign will run or how its messaging will differ between NBA and WNBA channels. The spot is expected to begin appearing across league and partner platforms as the NBA season opens Oct. 20, according to NBA.com.
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