NBA & WNBA Players Call For Anti-Harassment Improvements
David Genge Published 12/10/2026
Players from the NBA and WNBA are calling on online sports betting regulators to put in place stronger anti-harassment restrictions on bettors. In a letter directed to state gaming regulators, the NBA and WNBA players' associations are calling for regulatory action to better protect basketball game participants from betting-related harassment. In doing so, they are echoing previous calls for similar action from players in the NFL, MLB, NHL, and MLS.
Noting a marked increase in incidents, they are urging state gaming regulators to take definitive steps that will better protect athletes, game participants, and their families from betting-related harassment and related threats.
NBA and WNBA players cite harassment from bettors as unacceptable
In a letter that was obtained by ESPN, members of the NBA- and WNBA-affiliated basketball community cite the varieties of harassment that people in the game are being subjected to by disgruntled bettors. They say that this conduct ranges from "shouted harassment in an arena or on the street to violent threats conveyed online or on social media." They add that while this harassment is directed at players in most cases, it has at times extended to family members.
The letter notes that this harassment is coming "typically from angry bettors who are on the wrong side of a particular wager." It adds that this behavior is "unacceptable and all stakeholders should do their part to discourage this kind of misconduct and to punish it where they are able."
Basketball players are seeking broader regulatory action
The respective players' associations acknowledge that leagues have taken steps to address inappropriate fan behavior within the walls of stadiums and arenas. However, they insist the problem extends beyond team-controlled facilities. That is why they are calling on state gaming regulators and policymakers to impose more stringent punishment for such harassing actions.
They are proposing the implementation of the following regulatory action:
- Mandatory lifetime bans. This would empower state-regulated sportsbooks and mobile betting operators to permanently revoke wagering privileges. This would apply to any individual who is verified to have abusively harassed or issued threats of violence. These restrictions would apply to threats made against any professional or amateur athlete, coach, official, team personnel, or their respective families.
- Streamline reporting mechanisms. Regulators would create and maintain a standardized cross-operator reporting framework. Such a program would allow sports leagues, teams, players, and players' associations to securely transmit verified evidence of threats. Supplying reports of these incidents to state regulators and law enforcement agencies would be mandatory. It would create the possibility of placing violators on statewide exclusion lists. These exclusion lists would be shared among all states offering legal and regulated sports betting.
- Operator accountability. This would mandate that commercial sportsbook partners proactively monitor, flag, and ban accounts linked to abusive behavior toward athletes. It would be a condition of maintaining their state operating licenses.
They admit that these suggestions wouldn't create a foolproof system. The basketball player organizations believe that such actions would serve to deter and punish individuals who engage in betting-related harassment. They would also be providing better protection for athletes, coaches, officials, and their families.
FanDuel is on board with these ideals
One of the major players in the U.S. online sportsbook market already appears to be moving in this direction. In September, FanDuel announced that it was instituting a zero-tolerance policy. It would punish bettors found to be harassing or threatening athletes, officials, or coaches. FanDuel is the No. 1 online sports betting site in the USA.
FanDuel will ban any user identified as engaging in abusive, threatening, or harassing behavior toward competitors or team staff.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
+9
- 20+ sports available for wagering
- Pre-match and in-play betting
- Unique features like live streaming and boosted odds
Bet $10 Get $365 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
Find out more on bet365's website
- Over 20 sports
- Extensive betting markets
- Live betting feature
New Users – Get $250 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 5 days
+6
- Deep market coverage across major U.S. sports and leagues
- Same Game Parlay builder is fast and easy to use
- Live betting interface updates quickly with real-time odds