Updated

The NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS and their players' unions have jointly urged state gambling regulators to take action against an escalating wave of harassment and violent threats directed at athletes by sports bettors. The leagues say the threats have intensified as legalized sports betting has expanded across the country. The coalition is calling for stronger enforcement mechanisms and cooperation between regulators and betting operators to identify and penalize bettors who issue threats. The move reflects growing concern across professional sports about player safety amid the rapid growth of the sports betting industry.