26 people charged in massive college basketball fixing scheme involving 39 players, 17 NCAA teams, and $10k-$30k bribes. Latest updates and team list.
Table of Contents
26 Charged in Massive NCAA Basketball Bribery & Fixing Scheme
Introduction
Federal prosecutors have charged 26 people in a massive sports bribery scheme involving NCAA basketball players who allegedly fixed games for gambling profits. The investigation uncovered corruption affecting 39 players, 17 NCAA teams, and 31 total games between 2022-2025. US Attorney David Metcalf called it “a massive scheme that enveloped the world of college basketball,” with bribes ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 per game.
The Numbers Behind the Scandal
Scale of the Scheme
Timeline: September 2022 – February 2025
Key Statistics:
- 26 individuals charged
- 39 basketball players involved
- 17 NCAA Division I teams affected
- 29 NCAA games allegedly influenced or fixed
- 2 Chinese Basketball Association games fixed
- $10,000-$30,000 bribe range per game
How the Fixing Scheme Worked
The Bribery Process
Step-by-step operation:
- Recruitment: Gamblers recruited college players through trainers, alumni, and recruiters
- Payment: Players received $10k-$30k to underperform
- Betting: Fixers bet against the player’s team
- Execution: Players intentionally missed shots, committed turnovers
- Payout: Gamblers collected large winnings
Why basketball?
“In basketball, one player could substantially influence a game in ways that in other sports you cannot,” said Metcalf. However, he added the scheme wasn’t foolproof—sometimes it failed.
Success rate: “By and large, the scheme was very successful,” according to prosecutors.
NCAA Teams Named in Indictment
17 Universities Under Investigation
Complete list of affected teams:
- Abilene Christian University
- Alabama State University
- Butler University
- DePaul University
- Duquesne University
- East Carolina University
- Florida Atlantic University
- Fordham University
- Georgetown University
- Kennesaw State University
- Kent State University
- La Salle University
- McNeese State University
- Nicholls State University
- Ohio University
- St. Louis University
- St. John’s University
- SUNY Buffalo
- Tulane University
- Western Michigan University
Important note: Some schools appeared in the indictment only because they played against teams with compromised players, not because their own players were involved.
University Responses
School Statements
Tulane University:
- Former student-athlete charged
- Will “cooperate with authorities where appropriate” (per CBS News)
Kent State:
- Appeared due to allegations against opposing team
- Not directly involved in fixing
Other schools:
- Pledged full cooperation with federal investigators
- Some launching internal compliance reviews
Key Figures Behind the Scheme
Alleged Masterminds
Antonio Blakeney (Former Chicago Bulls player)
- Allegedly initiated the conspiracy
- Started with Chinese Basketball Association game fixing
- Expanded operation to NCAA
Shane Hennen (Professional sports bettor)
- Co-conspirator in NCAA scheme
- Also charged in separate NBA betting indictment
- Helped recruit college players
Marves Fairley (Professional sports bettor)
- Third primary organizer
- Previously charged in NBA gambling case
- Connected to multiple betting schemes
Recruiter profile: “They picked these men because they were well connected in the world of college basketball… they were alumni, they were trainers, they were recruiters,” Metcalf explained.
NCAA’s Response
Organization Already Investigating
NCAA President Charlie Baker statement:
- Investigations “finished or opened” into nearly all named teams
- “Pattern of conduct revealed… is not entirely new information to the NCAA”
- Suggests organization had prior knowledge of integrity issues
Implications for college sports:
- Potential sanctions for schools
- Scholarship reductions possible
- Player eligibility questions
- Recruiting restrictions likely
Connection to Other Sports Betting Scandals
Part of Larger FBI Investigation
This indictment follows a December 2024 FBI announcement of two major sports gambling investigations:
Related cases:
- NBA illegal betting scheme (December 2024)
- Miami Heat player Terry Rozier named
- Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups charged
- Both deny allegations
- Mafia-linked rigged poker games
- New York organized crime involvement
- Multiple NBA personalities implicated
Repeat defendants: Both Hennen and Fairley were charged in the NBA case as well, showing interconnected criminal networks.
Legal Consequences
Potential Penalties
Federal charges may include:
- Sports bribery (up to 5 years prison)
- Wire fraud (up to 20 years)
- Conspiracy to commit fraud (up to 5 years)
- Interstate travel for illegal activities
For student-athletes:
- Permanent NCAA ineligibility
- Loss of scholarships
- Criminal records affecting future employment
- Professional sports career elimination
Impact on College Basketball Integrity
What This Means for the Sport
Immediate effects:
- Increased scrutiny of betting lines
- Enhanced monitoring of player performance
- Stricter NCAA compliance measures
- Potential rule changes
Long-term implications:
- Trust erosion in college sports
- Pressure for player compensation reforms
- Calls for legalized, regulated betting oversight
- Enhanced background checks for staff
FAQ Section
How many people were charged in the NCAA basketball fixing scheme?
Federal prosecutors charged 26 individuals in the scheme, which involved 39 players across 17 NCAA Division I basketball teams between September 2022 and February 2025.
How much were players paid to fix games?
Players received bribes ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 per game to intentionally underperform and help gamblers win bets against their own teams.
Which NCAA teams were involved in the basketball fixing scandal?
17 teams were named including Tulane, Georgetown, DePaul, Butler, St. John’s, and others. Some schools appeared only because they played against teams with compromised players.
Who organized the college basketball fixing scheme?
Former Chicago Bulls player Antonio Blakeney allegedly collaborated with professional sports bettors Shane Hennen and Marves Fairley. They recruited players through trainers, alumni, and basketball insiders.
Is this connected to the NBA gambling investigation?
Yes. This case follows a December 2024 FBI investigation into NBA-related illegal gambling. Two defendants (Hennen and Fairley) were charged in both cases, showing connected criminal networks.
What happens to the players who fixed games?
Student-athletes face permanent NCAA ineligibility, loss of scholarships, federal criminal charges, and elimination of professional basketball career prospects.