NFL, MLB, NBA, other pro leagues band together to crack down on betting-related harassment; WNBPA slams exclusion

The NFL, NBA, MLS, NHL and MLB are banding together to crack down on betting-related harassment of players, coaches and families in their respective sports. The leagues — and their respective unions — put out a joint statement Tuesday suggesting punishments for those who engage in harassment due to betting.

The statement was written to address individuals who "direct threatening and harassing messages toward players, coaches and their families via social media and in-person interactions."

"Threatening the safety of an athlete or their family members over a sports bet crosses a bright ethical and criminal line, and it is entirely unacceptable."

After laying out the issue, the leagues suggested a number of actions the State Gaming Commissions and Regulatory Authorities could take to curb that type of behavior from fans.

• Mandatory lifetime ban: Sportsbooks and mobile betting operators should create clear rules that could result in lifetime bans for fans who harass or issue threats of violence against athletes or others around the game.

• Steamlined reporting mechanisms: Sportsbooks and mobile betting operators should create a clear way to report evidence to the proper authorities.

• Operator accountability: Sportsbooks and mobile betting operators should proactively monitor flag and ban accounts linked to abusive behavior.

NFL, MLB, NBA, others partnered with betting operators

The statement comes after multiple professional sports leagues have partnered with sportsbooks or betting operators in recent months. In August, the NFL announced partnerships with FanDuel, DraftKings and Fanatics Betting and Gaming. MLB has been partnered with FanDuel since 2023 and its teams have sought partnerships with other prediction markets . The NBA has a full webpage dedicated to listing off its official gaming partners and operators.

WNBPA issues its own statement criticizing NBA

The WNBA, notably, was not included in the statement. WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson said that was not the union's choice, saying the NBA chose not to include the WNBPA in the joint statement.

"It is deeply disappointing that, given the very public and troubling incidents of betting-related harassment experienced by our members over the past several seasons, the NBA determined that WNBA players did not warrant inclusion in a joint position statement intended to address this very issue."

Like the NBA, the WNBA also has a webpage listing off its partnerships with betting operators.

The rise of legalized sports betting has resulted in numerous athletes speaking out on harassment they've received as a result of gambling .