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Inside Game

Inside Game is a 2019 American crime sports drama film directed by Randall Batinkoff.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Inside Game is a 2019 American crime sports drama film directed by Randall Batinkoff. It is based on the 2007 NBA betting scandal and follows Tommy Martino, NBA referee Tim Donaghy, and bookmaker Baba Battista.

Plot premise

The film centers on a betting scheme tied to NBA referee Tim Donaghy and his associates. It dramatizes events surrounding the 2007 scandal and the FBI investigation that followed.

Cast and crew

The principal cast includes Scott Wolf, Eric Mabius, Will Sasso, and Lindsey Morgan. Randall Batinkoff directed the film, with a screenplay by Andy Callahan.

Release

Inside Game premiered in the United States in October 2019 at the San Diego International Film Festival and was released theatrically in the U.S. on November 1, 2019.

Reception and distribution

Coverage described the film as a fact-based or true-story drama, and it received attention for its ensemble cast. Availability later extended to home and digital release.

Key facts

  • The film is a fact-based drama about the 2007 NBA betting scandal.
  • It stars Scott Wolf as Tommy Martino, Eric Mabius as Tim Donaghy, and Will Sasso as Baba Battista.
  • The film was released in the United States on November 1, 2019.
  • Randall Batinkoff directed the film, and Andy Callahan wrote the screenplay.
  • Its story is set around Philadelphia and other U.S. locations connected to the scandal.

Frequently asked questions

What is Inside Game about?
It is a drama about the 2007 NBA betting scandal involving referee Tim Donaghy and his associates.
Who directed Inside Game?
Randall Batinkoff directed the film.
Who stars in Inside Game?
The film stars Scott Wolf, Eric Mabius, Will Sasso, and Lindsey Morgan.
When was Inside Game released?
It was released in the United States on November 1, 2019.
What real event is the film based on?
It is based on the 2007 NBA betting scandal involving Tim Donaghy.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inside_Game
    Supports: Basic film identification, release date, director, cast, and synopsis.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8591260/
    Supports: Film premise, cast, and release date.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8591260/releaseinfo/
    Supports: Release information including U.S. premiere and release dates.
  4. Los Angeles Times — https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2019-10-30/inside-game-review-will-sasso-scott-wolf
    Supports: Plot description, cast, rating, and runtime.
  5. The Numbers — https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Inside-Game
    Supports: Release and basic synopsis/film data.
  6. Lehigh University Zoellner Arts Center — https://zoellner.cas.lehigh.edu/content/free-film-preview-inside-game
    Supports: Synopsis and setting/context for the film.