The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is intensifying its scrutiny of the NBA, pressing Commissioner Adam Silver for transparency in the league’s handling of gambling-related misconduct. This latest demand comes in the wake of federal indictments implicating Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, and former player and coach Damon Jones in a betting scheme that prosecutors say compromised the sport’s integrity.

In a bipartisan letter co-authored by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), chair of the committee, and Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the lawmakers labeled the issue a “matter of Congressional concern.” The committee called on the NBA to submit detailed records of its gambling policies, all internal investigations since 2020, and communications with sportsbooks and integrity monitors.

“The integrity of NBA games must be trustworthy and free from the influence of organized crime or gambling-related activity,” the senators wrote. “Sports betting scandals like this one may lead the American public to assume that all sports are corrupt.”

The senators emphasized that while the NBA itself has not been accused of game fixing, the league’s credibility could be eroded if it fails to act decisively. Their letter highlights Congress’s jurisdiction over professional sports and its obligation to ensure the integrity of American athletics remains intact.

Allegations and Indictments Shake the League

The Senate inquiry follows a wave of federal charges alleging that current and former NBA personnel conspired to profit from confidential information and manipulated outcomes to influence betting results. According to prosecutors, Rozier and others shared insider knowledge, removed themselves from games, and coordinated wagers designed to benefit from those decisions.

In one notable instance, Rozier reportedly informed acquaintances before a March 23, 2023 game that he would withdraw early due to injury. Bets were then placed predicting low scoring from him—wagers that paid off when he exited after less than ten minutes, having scored only five points. Prosecutors claim a portion of the winnings was funneled back to Rozier and his associates.

Additional allegations involve Portland’s Chauncey Billups, who allegedly tipped off associates about team strategies and absences to secure favorable betting outcomes. Damon Jones is accused of selling information about a player’s injury status while associated with the Los Angeles Lakers. Some of these indictments have reportedly uncovered connections to organized crime, adding a deeper layer of concern for lawmakers.

NBA Defends Its Investigation of Rozier

The Senate’s demand for information largely stems from the NBA’s prior internal review of Rozier, which concluded in early 2025 with no disciplinary action. The league stated at the time that it had investigated “unusual betting activity” surrounding Rozier’s performance and “found no rule violations.”

Silver reiterated that stance when asked about the matter on Oct. 24. “Because bets were placed through legal betting companies, they picked up aberrational behavior around a particular game in March of ’23,” Silver said. “That was brought to our attention by the regulators and the betting companies. We then looked into that situation. And while there was aberrational betting, we frankly couldn’t find anything. We ultimately concluded that there was insufficient evidence.”

Silver also noted that Rozier had fully cooperated, turning over his phone and participating in interviews. However, he acknowledged the league’s limitations compared to federal investigators. “We’ve been working with the government, and they have extraordinary powers that a league office doesn’t have,” he added.

Senators Seek Accountability and Reform

The Senate committee has requested that Silver provide documentation by November 10, detailing the NBA’s internal policies, past investigations into gambling or game rigging, and correspondence with betting operators. Lawmakers also asked for the league’s final report on Rozier and an explanation of how the NBA plans to strengthen its integrity measures moving forward.

This letter marks the second formal request from Congress within weeks, following a similar inquiry from the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The growing legislative attention signals that federal officials are not satisfied with the NBA’s previous responses.

The senators’ correspondence stresses that while fans cherish basketball for its unpredictability and excitement, allegations of corruption threaten to undermine that spirit. “Americans love basketball because it is fast-paced and unpredictable,” the letter reads. “That volatility is the sport’s magic, and precisely why allegations that current and former National Basketball Association players and coaches compromised the game’s integrity are so troubling.”

NBA Faces Mounting Pressure to Rebuild Trust

As the NBA continues cooperating with federal authorities, it finds itself at a crossroads between maintaining public confidence and satisfying Congressional oversight. The league has previously acted decisively in similar cases, including banning Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter for life in 2024 over comparable betting misconduct.

Now, with Rozier, Billups, and Jones facing criminal prosecution and both chambers of Congress demanding transparency, Silver’s next steps may prove critical in restoring the league’s credibility. Whether the NBA’s internal processes can withstand this scrutiny—and whether the public’s faith in fair competition can endure—remains to be seen.