NCAA Challenges Kalshi Over Use of March Madness Name

A disagreement has surfaced between the NCAA and prediction market platform Kalshi regarding use of the term “March Madness” in event contracts tied to college basketball outcomes.

Good to Know

• NCAA says Kalshi used a protected trademark without authorization.
• Organization argues wording could suggest endorsement or involvement.
• Prior statements from NCAA leadership already opposed prediction markets tied to college sports.

Reports indicate that Kalshi listed contracts using the well known tournament phrase rather than neutral language such as “basketball tournament.” NCAA representatives maintain that earlier communication already warned against use of NCAA intellectual property in connection with those offerings.

“The NCAA has previously addressed issues with Kalshi illegitimately using NCAA marks for their offerings. This continues to be a misrepresentation of any NCAA involvement, and we have requested immediate removal of NCAA trademarks,” the NCAA said to GamblingHarm.org on Friday.

At the center of the dispute sits concern about implied association. NCAA officials believe references to March Madness could lead consumers to assume approval, partnership, or oversight connected to the contracts, even though no such relationship exists.

Tension between college athletics leadership and prediction markets did not begin with trademark language. In December, NCAA President Charlie Baker publicly stated that prediction style products conflict with values of the organization. In January, Baker called on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to halt college sports event contracts until clearer regulatory standards are developed.

NCAA leadership also has voiced objections to player proposition wagers across both traditional sportsbooks and newer prediction based platforms, pointing to integrity risks and pressure placed on student athletes.

Kalshi has been asked to remove the term from listings. NCAA continues to frame the matter as protection of intellectual property and prevention of consumer confusion rather than a broader commercial disagreement.