The NCAA has raised significant concerns regarding Kalshi, a prediction market platform that focuses on college sports like basketball and football. The organization’s attention comes after a letter was sent to Kalshi on October 30, 2025, by Scott Bearby, the NCAA’s chief legal officer.
NCAA’s Key Concerns about Kalshi
The NCAA’s letter highlighted several issues about Kalshi’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of college sports. Bearby inquired about the measures Kalshi has in place to monitor its markets for integrity issues. He requested details on how the company identifies prohibited customers and whether Kalshi would report any integrity problems to the NCAA.
Integrity in Prediction Markets
In Bearby’s communication, he expressed support for Kalshi’s efforts to protect contest integrity and the safety of athletes. However, he cautioned that the introduction of prop betting—offered by Kalshi since fall 2025—could increase risks related to integrity and harassment.
- Kalshi was prompted to consider banning prop betting markets.
- Previous comments by NCAA President Charlie Baker advocated for a prohibition on such bets.
Kalshi’s Response and Regulation Challenges
In response to the NCAA’s inquiries, a Kalshi spokesperson noted that the platform has strong integrity measures as mandated by its status as a federally licensed financial exchange. They acknowledged the NCAA’s concerns and mentioned ongoing efforts to refine their website language to eliminate any misleading implications about their relationship.
Kalshi is currently facing multiple lawsuits from state gambling regulators, who accuse the platform of breaching state laws. The company asserts that it operates under the oversight of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, a federal authority, and does not fall under individual state regulations.
Recent Developments in College Sports Betting Violations
As betting violations have become a growing issue for the NCAA, recent investigations have uncovered serious breaches. In September 2025, a Fresno State men’s basketball player was implicated in manipulating his performance for gambling purposes. Reports indicate that up to 30 current or former men’s basketball players are undergoing investigation for potential betting violations.
The NCAA’s scrutiny of Kalshi illustrates the growing tension between traditional collegiate sports and the evolving landscape of sports betting. As more states legalize sports wagering, ensuring the integrity of college competitions remains a top priority for the NCAA.
