NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly speaks out on NBA gambling scandal as stars including Terry Rozier, Chauncey Billups face arrest

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly has commented on the recent NBA gambling scandal, stressing its importance for all professional sports. The scandal led to the arrests of Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier.

The scandal involved alleged insider betting and rigged poker games connected to organized crime. Over 30 individuals in 11 states have been charged with crimes related to illegal gambling.

In an email to The Athletic on Thursday,, Bill Daly said the case is a reminder for sports leagues to protect integrity of their competitions.

“Obviously, today’s events provide a good reminder to all of us in the sports industry regarding the importance of maintaining the integrity of competition in our respective leaguesm," Daly said.

Daly also noted that the NHL has focused on education and oversight in recent years.

“Enhanced education and fulsome oversight practices have been priorities for us, especially in recent years, and we are confident that the safeguards we have in place are and will continue to be effective in meeting their objectives,” Daly added.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver also responded publicly, expressing his shock at the arrests. Speaking during a broadcast on Amazon Prime Video, Silver said,

“My initial reaction was I was deeply disturbed. There’s nothing more important to the league and its fans than the integrity of the competition. I had a pit in my stomach. It was very upsetting.”

He also apologized to fans, saying,

“I apologize to our fans that we are all dealing with this situation.”

The NBA has faced other gambling related cases before, including Gilbert Arenas’ arrest and Jontay Porter’s lifetime ban for betting on games.

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Bill Daly provides update on 2028 World Cup of Hockey

In August, Bill Daly shared updates on the 2028 World Cup of Hockey. Following the successful 4 Nations Faceoff in February, which had 9.3 million viewers for the Canada-USA final, the NHL plans to organize the World Cup without IIHF involvement.

Eight countries are expected to take part, with preliminary games in one European city and one North American city. A North American city will host the semifinals and final. Speaking at the NHL/NHLPA European Player Media Tour, Daly said,

“We’re well along in the first stage of identifying potential host cities both in North America and Europe. The interest level was very, very high.”

The league hopes to announce the chosen cities and venues before the end of the regular season. For now, hockey fans are focused on the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.