Key Moments
- The NCAA formally warned Kalshi to stop using language that could suggest an official relationship as of October 30, 2025
- Kalshi stated that it is updating its college sports market language in response to NCAA’s concerns
- NCAA continues to oppose player-based prop betting amid widening integrity scrutiny in U.S. sports
NCAA Issues Warning Over Branding
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has taken action against prediction market operator Kalshi after discovering the company used phrasing on its website that read “Outcome verified from NCAA,” with a hyperlink to NCAA.com. In a letter dated October 30, 2025, and shared with SiGMA News, NCAA Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer Scott Bearby expressed concern that such wording might mislead users into believing there is an official connection or endorsement from the NCAA. Bearby wrote, “The NCAA is concerned that this language will imply to the consuming public that the NCAA has some relationship with Kalshi which involves the NCAA ‘verifying’ or ‘approving’ data. Given the NCAA’s stance on sports betting, this could cause significant harm to the value and goodwill of the NCAA brand.”
Request for Clearer Disclosure and Disclaimers
The NCAA asked Kalshi to alter the phrase to something more neutral, such as “Outcome sourced from NCAA.com.” Additionally, the association requested that Kalshi add disclaimers for college sports-related markets, clarifying that neither endorsement nor affiliation exists. According to a Kalshi spokesperson, the company “values the NCAA’s feedback” and is “working to update the language” on its college sports markets accordingly.
No Official Partnership with NCAA
Unlike its agreement with the National Hockey League (NHL) – which permits Kalshi and Polymarket to use NHL data and branding – Kalshi does not have any formal arrangement with the NCAA. The article also notes that earlier in the year, Kalshi received criticism over unauthorized use of NFL and NFL Players Association imagery. Both organizations stated they have no affiliation with the company.
College Sports Markets and Integrity Concerns
Kalshi introduced its prediction markets for college sports during March Madness 2025 and later broadened to include additional NCAA events. Some offerings overlap with prop bets, which continue to attract scrutiny in the U.S. due to issues surrounding integrity and the potential for player harassment.
The NCAA maintains a strong stance against player-related prop bets. President Charlie Baker has consistently warned that such betting markets create risks for athletes and may undermine fair competition. In his letter, Bearby asked Kalshi to clarify its intentions regarding these markets, pointing out that many U.S. states already restrict them. Bearby wrote, “Many state legislators and gaming authorities have agreed with the NCAA’s stance that prop betting markets heighten the risk of integrity and harassment concerns. Is Kalshi committed to forbidding similar predictive markets on their platforms?”
Kalshi Responds on Compliance and Integrity
Kalshi described itself as a federally regulated financial exchange and noted that it maintains strict integrity and compliance protocols. A spokesperson stated, “With Kalshi, there is no house. We don’t win when our customers lose.” The company also said it would assess further requests related to cooperation on integrity matters, data sharing, and flagged customer reporting. Kalshi currently works with IC360, an integrity-focused monitoring partner, to meet these compliance standards.
Regulatory Context and Sports Betting Oversight
This conflict comes as oversight tightens across American sports betting. The NCAA recently delayed the effective date for allowing athletes and staff to place wagers on professional sports from November 1 to November 22, as investigations continue into betting scandals involving 13 college programs and several NBA cases.
With the rise of prediction exchanges such as Kalshi, regulators and sports authorities are heightening their vigilance, reflecting the complex interplay between emerging financial products, betting culture, and sport integrity issues in the United States.
| Entity | Relationship with Kalshi | Status |
|---|---|---|
| NCAA | No Formal Partnership | Issued Warning |
| NHL | Formal Partnership | Official Data and Branding Permitted |
| NFL & NFLPA | No Formal Partnership | Confirmed No Relationship |
- Author
Daniel Williams
