Lithuanian Basketball Scandal: NKL Investigates Suspected Match-Fixing

The National Basketball League (NKL), Lithuania’s second-tier pro division, is now at the center of a potential match-fixing scandal tied to suspicious betting activity, according to a report by Lrytas.

Journalist Gustavas Klikna says multiple clubs are under scrutiny for allegedly manipulating game outcomes to profit from bets. The league has confirmed that a formal investigation is underway.

“There is an internal investigation in progress. We’re taking appropriate actions regarding the situation. Several teams are under suspicion,” NKL president Arvydas Čėsna told Klikna.

The 2024–2025 NKL season featured 16 teams. The championship game, held on April 17, saw Telšiai defeat Vilkaviškis in a close matchup. Telšiai, a club from the city of the same name, claimed the league title.

Basketball holds national sport status in Lithuania, with deep roots stretching back to Soviet times. Many of the USSR’s top players came out of the Lithuanian basketball system. Since gaining independence, Lithuania has taken Olympic bronze three times, further cementing the sport’s cultural significance.

It’s worth noting that NKL’s title sponsor is betting operator 7bet, which maintains an active presence in the league.

According to the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), at least 10 basketball games worldwide were flagged in 2024 as potentially compromised by match-fixing.