NBA and WNBA launch responsible gaming campaign with NCPG

NEW YORK — Oct. 13, 2026 — The NBA and WNBA announced a new responsible gaming campaign with the National Council on Problem Gambling, aimed at educating fans — especially young adults — about the risks of sports betting and prediction markets.

The campaign will launch during the 2026-27 NBA season. It will include a new spot that runs across social and linear platforms on NBA- and WNBA-owned channels and partner outlets. The leagues said the creative and exact debut timing will be announced later.

What the campaign stresses

In a joint release through NBA Communications, the leagues said both placing a sports bet and trading on a prediction market can put fans at meaningful risk when participation is not handled carefully. When that activity becomes hard to control, the impact can reach finances, mental well-being and relationships.

The campaign will emphasize that no matter how much a fan thinks they know about sports, their money is still at risk, and that betting or trading should be entertainment — not a way to generate income. Fans who choose to take part are urged to understand the risks, set limits on time and money, avoid risking money they cannot afford to lose, and seek support if participation becomes difficult to manage.

Who is speaking for the leagues

Scott Kaufman-Ross, the NBA’s head of media distribution and partnerships, said fans need to understand the risks that come with putting money on sports outcomes as the ways people engage with sports keep changing. Colie Edison, the WNBA’s chief growth officer, said the campaign is meant to reach more fans with practical guidance on financial risk, setting limits and knowing where to find support.

Derek Longmeier, president of the NCPG board of directors, said awareness is an important first step in preventing gambling-related harm and that the campaign puts education first.

How it fits existing work

The initiative builds on the NBA’s ongoing responsible gaming education work with the NCPG and extends that reach to WNBA audiences. The NCPG is a national nonprofit focused on preventing and reducing harms linked to problem gambling through prevention, education, advocacy, research and support resources.

The leagues pointed fans to ResponsiblePlay.org for education and resources, and to the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET for free, confidential support available around the clock.

WhyNBA Sports Desk

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