Court mandates Malik Beasley to compensate $1 million to previous agency
A federal judge in New York rendered a $1 million civil ruling against NBA free agent Malik Beasley on Thursday concerning a contract disagreement with his previous agency.
Judge Jeannette A. Vargas determined that Beasley is responsible for $1 million in damages, along with interest, to be paid to Hazan Sports Management, based in New York, his former agency.
In her ruling, Vargas noted that, despite numerous warnings, “no objections have been filed and no request for an extension of time to object has been made.” There is no attorney listed for Beasley in the lawsuit, and the docket does not indicate any actions taken by Beasley.
ESPN contacted a number associated with Beasley, but the individual disconnected the call after being asked for a comment. An attorney representing Hazan Sports did not respond immediately to a request for comment.
Beasley departed from Hazan Sports in February 2025, which the agency claimed in the lawsuit constituted a breach of contract. Hazan Sports stated in the lawsuit that it sought to recover a $650,000 marketing advance from Beasley “but received little more than sporadic payments and vague assurances to repay the remaining balance over time.”
Beasley has competed for nine seasons in the NBA, including time with the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Detroit Pistons. He experienced a strong season in 2025 and seemed set for a three-year contract reportedly valued at $42 million with the Pistons, prior to his name being mentioned in a federal gambling investigation.
Beasley has not faced charges in this matter.
Steve Haney, who is representing Beasley in the gambling inquiry, stated that he was not involved in the Hazan Sports lawsuit.
In September, the NBA announced it was conducting its own investigation into Beasley. Haney informed ESPN at that time that his client was “fully cooperating” with the NBA inquiry.
Last month, Beasley signed with the Puerto Rican basketball team Santurce Crabbers, which is owned by artist Bad Bunny.
