NCAA Intensifies Stance Against Kalshi's 'March Madness' Trademark Use

The National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) has escalated its efforts to prevent Kalshi, a prediction market platform, from utilizing its copyrighted 'March Madness' branding. This marks at least the second instance where the collegiate sports governing body has expressed strong objection to Kalshi's incorporation of the widely recognized phrase in connection with its betting markets.

The NCAA has consistently argued that Kalshi possesses alternative, generic terminologies, such as 'basketball tournament,' that could be employed without infringing upon its intellectual property or creating misleading associations. The core of the NCAA's apprehension revolves around the possibility that the public might mistakenly believe the association sanctions or endorses prediction markets, a position it emphatically denies.

In a formal communication issued to GamblingHarm.org on Friday, February 20, the NCAA articulated its stance: "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." This statement underscores the NCAA's ongoing commitment to safeguarding its brand integrity and preventing any perceived affiliation with gambling operations it does not support.

Adding to the association's firm position, NCAA President Charlie Baker made it clear in December that prediction markets do not align with the foundational values of the organization. Baker's commentary reinforced the NCAA's overarching disapproval of such business models and its broader reluctance concerning sports betting.

Despite its staunch opposition to prediction markets and sports wagering, the NCAA has, in the past, faced scrutiny for retracting a commitment to permit student-athletes to place wagers on mainstream sporting events. Nevertheless, the majority of the NCAA's recent enforcement activities have been concentrated on curbing proposition bets, addressing student-athlete involvement in betting, and combating match-fixing, particularly in light of numerous high-profile incidents that have threatened the competitive integrity of collegiate sports.

This renewed action against Kalshi highlights the NCAA's unwavering resolve to protect its trademarks and maintain a clear distance from the gambling industry, especially concerning its most popular events.