Timothy McCormack, who lives in New York, became the first person to be convicted in the NBA’s high-profile insider betting case. He was sentenced to two years in prison in Brooklyn federal court for using inside information to place bets on league players.

Prosecutors had sought a four-year prison sentence, calling McCormack’s actions intentional fraud. The defense, on the contrary, talked about his long-term gambling addiction. The court also banned McCormack from gambling for a year after his release. He must report to prison by April 20.

McCormack is betting on games involving former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter, who is banned from basketball for life, as well as games involving Miami Heat’s Terry Rozier.

The investigation began after the betting companies reported suspicious activity to the International Betting Integrity Association and then to the FBI.

McCormack’s conviction was the first real sentence in a case that has increased scrutiny on betting integrity and highlighted the risks of insider trading in professional sports.

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President of FIBA ​​Europe Jorge Garbajosa He talked about the NBA Europe project and the clubs ready to participate in this project.

“2027 will be the year when NBA Europe will be operational,” Garbajosa said.

He confirmed the interest of Real Madrid, whose participation had already been accepted, according to media reports.

“We know Real Madrid is interested, the NBA is in direct talks with the club at the highest level.”

Garbajosa emphasized that the aim of the project is to transform the current system in which clubs suffer huge losses. According to him, the NBA wants to cooperate because it sees great growth potential.

For the President of FIBA ​​Europe, the current EuroLeague model means “an irreversible loss for the clubs of an average of 20, 25 or 30 million per year.” When asked if the teams would make money, Garbajosa insisted it was a “good business opportunity” because he said it was “investing in a product with a forecast and business plan that requires profitability.”

Real Madrid are not the only club to express interest in participating. Garbajosa confirmed that “several” teams had reached an agreement following a “crazy” schedule of meetings with investment funds, companies and other clubs in Berlin and London. “The impression is that the process is already underway,” he repeated, describing the project as a “huge boost” for basketball across the continent.

Previously, Barcelona announced whether it would continue to play in the Euroleague.