Philadelphia, January 15, 2026 – Federal prosecutors in the United States have charged 20 individuals, including 15 former NCAA Division I basketball players, in connection with an alleged international betting scheme to manipulate basketball games in both the United States and China. The case, which spans several years, represents one of the largest sports betting scandals targeting collegiate and professional basketball.

“This indictment reveals a sophisticated, multi-year effort to manipulate basketball contests across two countries, undermining the integrity of the sport and the trust of fans,” said a federal prosecutor in Philadelphia.

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Scope of the Alleged Scheme

The indictment, unsealed Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, outlines allegations that the defendants conspired to fix games from September 2022 through February 2025. Prosecutors say the scheme involved both NCAA men’s basketball games and Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) contests, using “point shaving” techniques to manipulate the margin of victory rather than the outcome of games.

Of the 20 defendants:

• 15 are former NCAA Division I players, some active as recently as the 2024-2025 season.
• Five are described as fixers, including:
  • Two individuals involved in basketball training and player development.
  • One former coach and trainer.
  • Two individuals acting as gamblers, influencers, and sports handicappers.

Some of the defendants had previously faced charges in an NBA-related gambling probe, highlighting the cross-level nature of the investigation.

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Targeted Universities

According to the indictment, players from multiple colleges were allegedly recruited through bribe payments ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 per game. Schools reportedly affected include:

• Nicholls State University
• Tulane University
• Northwestern State University
• La Salle University
• DePaul University
• Robert Morris University
• University of Southern Mississippi
• North Carolina A&T State University

Additional institutions involved as part of the scheme include Kennesaw State University, Coppin State University, University of New Orleans, Abilene Christian University, Eastern Michigan University, and Alabama State University.

“These actions, if proven, represent a serious breach of trust for collegiate athletes and the broader basketball community,” the indictment states.

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Legal Allegations

The charges against the defendants include:

• Bribery in sporting contests
• Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

Federal prosecutors allege that the scheme was designed to manipulate game outcomes to benefit illegal betting operations both domestically and internationally. Point shaving, the primary method, involves intentionally adjusting performance or the margin of victory rather than changing the winner outright, making detection more difficult.

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NCAA Investigations and Consequences

The case follows ongoing investigations by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) into gambling-related misconduct. In 2026 alone:

• At least 10 players received lifetime bans for betting on their own teams or individual performances.
• More than 30 players have been investigated over similar gambling allegations.

Last year, federal authorities conducted a major crackdown on illegal basketball gambling operations, charging over 30 individuals involved in professional-level betting schemes, underscoring the scope and persistence of sports gambling threats.

“The NCAA has long emphasized the importance of integrity in college sports,” a spokesperson said. “These prosecutions highlight the continued need for vigilance and enforcement against illegal betting activities.”

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Implications for NCAA and Global Basketball

The charges raise concerns about the integrity of NCAA basketball and the influence of international gambling syndicates on college athletics. Experts warn that such schemes can undermine trust among fans, institutions, and student-athletes, particularly when they cross borders, as in this U.S.-China case.

The investigation also shines a light on international betting markets, where large sums of money can flow into manipulating both collegiate and professional games. Legal experts suggest that the case could result in significant penalties, including prison sentences, fines, and lifetime bans from basketball-related activities for the defendants if convicted.