Malik Beasley Joins Bad Bunny's Puerto Rico Team Amid FBI Gambling Probe

The NBA guard signs with the Santurce Crabbers as he awaits resolution of investigations into his gambling activities.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Malik Beasley, a 29-year-old NBA guard, has signed a deal to play for the Santurce Crabbers, a Puerto Rican basketball team owned by Grammy-winning artist Bad Bunny. This move comes as Beasley is under investigation by the FBI and the NBA for alleged illegal gambling activities. With his NBA future uncertain, Beasley hopes to maintain his game readiness by competing in Puerto Rico while awaiting the outcome of the probes.

Why it matters

The FBI and NBA's investigations into Beasley's gambling activities have disrupted his career trajectory, forcing the Detroit Pistons to pause contract negotiations. This scandal is part of a broader crackdown on unauthorized betting in the NBA, with other players like Terry Rozier also facing scrutiny. Beasley's signing with Bad Bunny's team in Puerto Rico represents his effort to stay active and competitive while navigating the legal and professional challenges.

The details

Beasley, who was previously on track for a significant contract extension with the Pistons, has now agreed to play for Bad Bunny's Santurce Crabbers team in Puerto Rico. This move allows him to remain active and showcase his skills, particularly his sharpshooting ability, as he awaits the resolution of the ongoing FBI and NBA investigations into his alleged gambling activities. The investigations are examining Beasley's financial transactions and phone records to determine if any further legal violations occurred.

  • The FBI and U.S. Attorney's office began investigating Beasley's gambling activities, coinciding with his impending contract negotiations with the Pistons.
  • Nearly two months into the investigation, Beasley's lawyers informed league representatives that he was no longer a target of the federal probe.
  • The 2025-26 NBA season is now past the All-Star break, and Beasley remains unsigned.

The players

Malik Beasley

A 29-year-old guard who previously played for the Detroit Pistons and is now a free agent amid an ongoing FBI investigation into his gambling activities.

Bad Bunny

A Grammy-winning artist who owns the Santurce Crabbers, the Puerto Rican basketball team that Beasley has signed with.

Terry Rozier

A Miami Heat guard who has also come under scrutiny as part of the FBI's investigation into illegal gambling activities tied to NBA players.

Chauncey Billups

A former Portland Trail Blazers head coach who has been investigated as part of the FBI's probe into the NBA gambling scandal.

Jontay Porter

An NBA player who was handed a lifetime ban following his involvement in illegal betting activities uncovered through the FBI's investigation.

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What they’re saying

“This gives Beasley the opportunity to play for Bad Bunny's team in Puerto Rico and showcase ahead of 2026 free agency as he awaits a ruling on his NBA investigation. Beasley averaged 16.3 points in all 82 games for the Pistons last season, setting a franchise record 319 3s.”

— Shams Charania, NBA Insider (Twitter)

“Free agent Malik Beasley has signed a deal to play in Puerto Rico for Grammy Award-winning artist Bad Bunny's team Santurce Crabbers, both parties tell ESPN. The team's season begins in March. Beasley has been under NBA and FBI investigations for gambling allegations.”

— Shams Charania, NBA Insider (Twitter)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Malik Beasley out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the NBA's broader challenges with gambling oversight and the ongoing efforts to enforce regulations that maintain fair play. The league's results from these investigations could shape future policies and influence how teams approach players entangled in legal difficulties moving forward.