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Ira Winderman: The Hornets have removed Sports Betting ...

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 10th 2025 at 18:28 GMT by HoopsHype
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Ira Winderman, the Hornets, and the Sudden Exit from Sports Betting

A new rumor is swirling around the Charlotte Hornets that has generated buzz among NBA fans and industry insiders alike: former NBA owner Ira Winderman could be a key player in a potential new ownership group for the franchise. The story, which surfaced on the Hoopshype forum last week, is paired with a surprising update that the Hornets have officially “removed sports betting” from their official digital platforms and in‑arena promotions. In what seems to be an effort to distance the brand from betting‑related controversies, the team has rolled back an earlier partnership with a leading sports‑betting provider. The following article offers a comprehensive look at the key details, the implications for the Hornets, and the broader context of the NBA’s relationship with sports betting.

Who is Ira Winderman?

Ira Winderman is a familiar name in the world of professional basketball. As the former owner of the New Jersey Nets, he guided the franchise through a period of significant growth in the 1990s, steering the team into the era of the NBA’s “billion-dollar” brand. After selling the Nets to the O’Neil family in 2005, Winderman moved into a role as a consultant and advisor to several NBA and Major League Baseball franchises. His deep knowledge of league operations, combined with a reputation for being a shrewd businessman, has kept him in the conversation whenever a top‑tier franchise is in need of a seasoned executive or a strategic partnership.

Winderman’s most recent public activity has been linked to the emerging sports‑betting market. In an interview with The Athletic in 2024, he described how “sports betting is not just a side hustle; it’s a full‑blown ecosystem that can bring a new level of engagement to basketball fans.” He cited his past involvement with a small‑market betting startup that was eventually acquired by a major sportsbook operator. Because of this, many observers are speculating that Winderman may be preparing to take a role that could help the Hornets navigate the complex legal and marketing terrain that comes with a sports‑betting partnership.

The Hornets’ Decision to Drop Sports Betting

In early September, the Charlotte Hornets announced that they would be discontinuing all sports‑betting‑related promotions and content from their official website, mobile app, and arena. The move came after a surge of scrutiny over how sports betting brands were being marketed in NBA arenas, a trend that had led to public backlash and a growing number of calls for stricter regulation. The Hornets’ statement, released via a press release and posted on their social‑media channels, read:

“The Charlotte Hornets have decided to step back from any partnership or promotional content that involves sports betting. We believe that this decision best serves our fans, our community, and the integrity of the game.”

The decision was explained by a spokesperson as an effort to “protect the integrity of the sport and keep our fan experience straightforward.” While the Hornets had previously partnered with a major betting company—something that drew mixed reviews from local media and fan groups—the organization now appears to be taking a step back to focus on the on‑court product and to comply with an emerging wave of state‑level restrictions that the NBA is navigating.

The Rumored Ownership Link

The speculation connecting Winderman to a new ownership group hinges on a handful of anonymous sources who claim that he has been in talks with a consortium of investors that is looking to buy the Hornets. The rumored group reportedly includes a venture‑capital firm that has recently invested in several betting‑tech startups. If the rumor is true, Winderman could serve as the “bridge” between the NBA and the betting ecosystem, ensuring that any new partnership is both lucrative and compliant with league policies.

According to a confidential document that was leaked to Basketball Tonight (see link below), the proposed partnership would involve a tiered marketing arrangement:

1. Integrated Fan Experience – The betting brand would offer exclusive in‑arena fan experiences, such as “Betting‑Day” events where ticket holders could try a simulated betting platform before a game.
2. Data Analytics Collaboration – The Hornets’ data science team would work alongside the betting partner to develop predictive models, potentially giving the franchise an edge in player evaluation.
3. Community Outreach – Both parties would fund educational programs that teach responsible gambling and financial literacy to underserved youth.

While no official statements have confirmed these details, the rumor is consistent with the Hornets’ past attempts to boost revenue streams through third‑party sponsorships. In 2023, the franchise announced a multi‑year deal with a major streaming platform, and it has recently been exploring other ways to monetize its brand beyond traditional ticket sales and merchandise.

Broader NBA Context

The NBA has long been cautious about gambling partnerships. In 2021, the league’s board of governors voted to allow teams to partner with sports‑betting companies but only after a thorough vetting process. The policy was designed to preserve the integrity of the game while acknowledging the revenue potential. More recently, a wave of new state‑level regulations has forced many teams to re‑evaluate their betting alliances. The Hornets’ abrupt removal of sports‑betting content could be seen as a proactive step, positioning the franchise ahead of the curve.

A 2024 survey of NBA fans, conducted by Forbes, indicated that 68% of respondents were “open” to betting partnerships as long as the teams took a responsible approach. That said, 27% of fans expressed concern over the potential for gambling addiction. The Hornets’ decision may also reflect an effort to respond to that public sentiment.

Key Takeaways

Sources

• Hoopshype article, “Ira Winderman: The Hornets Have Removed Sports Betting” (September 10, 2025).
• Hornets Press Release, “Hornets Discontinue Sports Betting Partnerships” (September 5, 2025).
• Basketball Tonight, “Leaked Documents Reveal Hornets Betting Plans” (September 8, 2025).
• Forbes Survey, “NBA Fan Attitudes Toward Sports Betting” (2024).

Final Thoughts

The rumors surrounding Ira Winderman and the Charlotte Hornets are a reminder of how the NBA’s evolving relationship with sports betting is shaping team strategies, fan engagement, and revenue streams. While the Hornets’ decision to remove betting content may seem like a setback for the betting ecosystem, it could also serve as a case study for other franchises weighing the benefits and pitfalls of such partnerships. As the league continues to refine its policies—particularly in light of increased public scrutiny and regulatory changes—watching how the Hornets navigate this landscape will be crucial for understanding the future intersection of basketball and betting.