NCAA President Calls for Suspension of College Sports Betting on Prediction Markets
NCAA President Charlie Baker has formally requested the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to halt college sports betting via prediction markets, citing risks to student-athlete welfare and competitive integrity. In a January 14 letter to CFTC Chairman Rostin Behnam, Baker warned that unregulated wagering on events like transfer portal decisions could distort recruitment processes and athlete well-being.
The MOVE follows Kalshi's withdrawn proposal to offer contracts tied to NCAA transfer portal outcomes. While the prediction platform stated it had no immediate plans to list such markets, Baker emphasized the need for proactive safeguards. "Protecting the well-being of student-athletes isn't negotiable," the letter stated, framing the issue as a systemic threat to collegiate sports.
