NBA Betting Scandal Deepens: Former Player Malik Beasley Accused Of Match-Fixing

Last Updated:June 30, 2026, 12:24 IST

Beasley has been indicted in a federal gambling probe, accused of manipulating his performances to benefit bettors while battling mounting financial troubles.

Former NBA guard Malik Beasley has been indicted as part of a sweeping federal investigation into illegal gambling on professional basketball, with prosecutors accusing him of deliberately manipulating his on-court performances to help bettors cash in while easing his own financial troubles.

The indictment, unsealed Monday in a Brooklyn federal court, alleges Beasley worked with a network of co-conspirators during his stint with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024, providing insider information and intentionally overperforming or underperforming in specific statistical categories tied to player prop bets.

Former NBA veteran Ed Davis, a one-time teammate of Beasley, was among six people charged in the case.

‘A Criminal Betting Operation’

Announcing the charges, U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. accused the group of exploiting professional basketball for financial gain.

“They turned professional basketball into a criminal betting operation."

Nocella added that the alleged schemes “erode the integrity of American sports and victimize the sports-watching public," with hundreds of thousands of dollars reportedly wagered through major online sportsbooks.

According to prosecutors, Beasley had accumulated millions of dollars in gambling losses and was struggling financially, often relying on Davis for assistance.

How The Alleged Scheme Worked

Federal prosecutors allege Beasley informed Davis in advance whether he planned to exceed or fall short of specific statistical prop bets.

One example cited in the indictment came during Milwaukee’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers on March 10, 2024, when the betting line for Beasley’s rebounds was set at 3.5.

According to prosecutors, Beasley told Davis he intended to go over that number. With just one second remaining and the Bucks comfortably ahead by seven points, Beasley challenged a harmless Clippers shot before sprinting past four players to secure a fourth rebound as the buzzer sounded, pushing him over the betting line.

The indictment also references a text message from an alleged co-conspirator.

“What’s funny is after he got it he had a big sigh of relief."

Prosecutors further allege that in other games, Beasley shared plans to deliberately underperform in certain statistical categories.

Beasley Denies Wrongdoing

Beasley’s attorney, Steve Haney, defended his client following the indictment.

“Malik maintains his presumption of innocence throughout this two-year investigation. We ask that people reserve judgment until all the facts are known."

The NBA also confirmed it is continuing to cooperate with federal authorities.

“We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority," league spokesperson Mike Bass said.

Beasley last played in the NBA during the 2024-25 season with the Detroit Pistons, averaging 16 points per game. Despite becoming one of only five players in league history to make more than 300 three-pointers in a season, he did not feature last year as the investigation unfolded.

The indictment also details Beasley’s well-documented financial difficulties, including multiple lawsuits over unpaid debts.

(with AP inputs)

About the Author

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His...Read More

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