NCAA Calls on CFTC to Halt College Sports Betting Markets Citing Integrity Risks

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has formally requested the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to suspend prediction markets related to college sports. The association argues that such markets, which allow wagering on events like player transfers and coaching changes, pose a significant threat to the integrity of collegiate athletics. This move directly challenges platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket, where users can trade on the outcomes of real-world events. The NCAA emphasizes that these markets could incentivize insider manipulation and undermine fair competition, urging regulators to prioritize athlete protection and sports integrity over speculative trading. The CFTC's response could set a major precedent for the future of event contracts and prediction markets in the U.S.