New York — A federal court has ordered NBA free agent Malik Beasley to pay $1 million in damages, plus interest, to his former representatives at Hazan Sports Management, according to a ruling issued Thursday, March 5, 2026.
U.S. District Judge Jeannette A. Vargas found Beasley liable after the player failed to contest the lawsuit. The ruling noted that “no objections have been filed and no request for an extension of time to object has been made.” Court records list no attorney for Beasley, and the docket shows no filings on his behalf.
ESPN reached a phone number associated with Beasley, but the call was terminated when a request for comment was made. Hazan Sports’ attorney did not immediately respond to inquiries.
Dispute over marketing advance
Beasley left the New York–based agency in February 2025. Hazan Sports alleged the departure violated their contract and sought repayment of a $650,000 marketing advance. The firm told the court it received only sporadic, partial payments and “vague promises” to settle the remainder.
Nine-year NBA veteran
The 29-year-old guard has played nine NBA seasons with the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons. After a strong 2025 campaign, he appeared headed for a three-year deal worth a reported $42 million with Detroit before being linked to a federal gambling investigation. Beasley has not been charged.
Attorney Steve Haney, who represents Beasley in the gambling probe, told ESPN he has no role in the contract dispute with Hazan Sports.
League and international activity
The NBA opened its own inquiry into Beasley in September 2025. Haney said at the time that Beasley was “fully cooperating.” Last month, the guard signed with the Santurce Crabbers of Puerto Rico’s BSN league, a team owned by recording artist Bad Bunny.
The court judgment requires immediate payment of the $1 million award, though any timeline for collection remains unclear.
Source: ESPN
