NEW YORK – The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) today announced a new responsible gaming campaign in collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).  Launching during the 2026-27 NBA season, the campaign will educate fans, particularly young adults, about the risks associated with sports betting and prediction markets.  The campaign will feature a new spot that will run across social and linear platforms through NBA- and WNBA-owned and partner channels.

Whether placing a sports bet or trading on a prediction market, both activities can put fans at meaningful risk when not done responsibly.  When participation becomes difficult to control, the impact can extend beyond finances to mental well-being and relationships with family and friends.  The campaign will also emphasize that no matter how much a fan thinks they know about sports, their money is at risk, and these activities should only be for entertainment, not an effort to generate income.

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing and reducing the harms associated with problem gambling.  Through prevention, education, advocacy, research and support resources, NCPG works to increase awareness, inform decision-making and connect those seeking help for a gambling problem with appropriate resources.

The campaign will encourage fans who choose to participate to understand the risks, set limits on the time and money they spend, avoid risking money they cannot afford to lose and seek support if their participation becomes difficult to manage.  Working with the NCPG, the NBA and WNBA will direct fans to responsible gaming education and resources for recognizing problems and seeking help.

“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,” said Scott Kaufman-Ross, NBA Head of Media Distribution and Partnerships.  “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.”

“Helping our fans make informed decisions is central to this effort,” said Colie Edison, WNBA Chief Growth Officer.  “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.”

“Awareness is an important first step in preventing gambling-related harm,” said Derek Longmeier, President of the NCPG Board of Directors.  “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.”

The initiative builds on the NBA’s ongoing responsible gaming education efforts with the NCPG and extends the campaign’s reach to WNBA fans. Additional details, including the campaign’s creative and debut timing, will be announced at a later date.

Fans can visit ResponsiblePlay.org for responsible gaming information and resources. Anyone concerned about their own gambling or that of a loved one can call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET for free, confidential support, available 24/7.

About the NBA
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.  Built around five professional sports leagues: the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League, the NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 214 countries and territories in more than 50 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents.  NBA rosters at the start of the 2025-26 season featured a record 135 international players from a record-tying 43 countries.  The NBA’s digital assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass.  The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with more than 2.5 billion likes and followers globally across all leagues, team and player platforms.  NBA Cares, the NBA’s global social impact platform celebrating its 20^th year, drives change on issues facing fans and communities in the areas of health and wellness, civic engagement, social justice and inclusion, and sustainability.

About the WNBA
Currently in its historic 30^th season in 2026, the WNBA continues to be one of the fastest-growing brands in sports, fueled by record-breaking momentum and unprecedented growth. Having reached a new transformational Collective Bargaining Agreement in March 2026, the league enters a bold new chapter focused on elevating the player experience, increased investment, and growing women’s basketball globally. The WNBA’s dedication to societal impact is supported by the WNBA Changemakers Collective (Ally, AT&T, AWS, CarMax, Deloitte, Google, and Nike), a first-of-its-kind group of purpose-driven companies working to empower players and the league, increase visibility, and drive business transformation.

About the National Council on Problem Gambling
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), founded in 1972 in Washington, DC, is the only national nonprofit organization that seeks to mitigate gambling-related harm through advocacy and awareness programs. Neutral on legalized gambling, NCPG is supported by donors, members, and partners who help advance its mission through investments in public awareness, education, research, and organizational sustainability. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline™ that offers hope and help without stigma or shame. Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET or visit www.1800myreset.org. Free and confidential help is available 24/7.