NFL, NCAA Sound Off on Prediction Market Risks

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The NFL has officially included prediction markets in its league-wide betting policy.
These prediction platforms are said to mimic traditional sports betting.
The NCAA has expressed serious concerns regarding the increasing popularity of such markets.

As the 2025 football season approaches, both the NCAA and NFL are raising alarms about the potential risks associated with prediction markets. With numerous platforms available, including Kalshi and Polymarket, concerns are mounting over their regulatory status and the implications for the integrity of the games.

The NFL has prohibited players and staff from engaging with sports derivatives contracts on platforms like Kalshi, concerned about the lack of regulatory oversight.

The NFL recently stated that all league personnel, including players, are forbidden from using event contract platforms. In fact, the league reached out to the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in 2024 to express concerns about the operators in this space, stating that their regulation doesn’t match that of traditional sportsbooks.

“These platforms mimic sports betting, and thus they fall under our policy restrictions,” said Sabrina Perel, the NFL’s vice president and chief compliance officer.

The NFL is known to be the most wagered-on league in the United States, having had no betting-related incidents in the preceding year. Although new policies regarding sports wagering weren’t introduced for the 2025 season, Perel emphasized the league’s commitment to educating current players, enlisting former players to conduct mandatory training sessions on betting conduct.

Rising Tensions with Prediction Markets

Despite a lack of shocking revelations from the NFL’s recent press conference, the event’s timing was critical, given that the league’s kickoff game is scheduled for September 4. The NFL’s firm stance on banning its players and staff from sports derivatives comes just after Kalshi announced plans to offer football event contracts that focus on betting spreads, totals, and players’ performances — opening a new frontier for the platform.

David Highhill, NFL’s vice president of sports betting, conveyed that the league is particularly worried about scenarios that allow players to influence game outcomes and situations involving injuries or refereeing decisions.

“If proper regulation doesn’t exist for these markets, they become vulnerable to manipulation and price distortion,” he warned. These concerns coincide with Robinhood’s recent announcement that they will provide event contracts on all regular-season NFL and major college football games, aiming to compete more aggressively with conventional sportsbook operators.

NCAA’s Opposition to Prediction Markets

The NCAA also responded strongly to Robinhood’s plans, expressing “deep concern” regarding the lack of oversight compared to traditional sportsbook providers. Tim Buckley, a senior NCAA executive, stated:

“We will continue to examine the developments in this market and collaborate with industry stakeholders to ensure appropriate regulations are in place to safeguard NCAA competition, student-athletes, coaches, and officials.”

Buckley emphasized that companies evading state regulatory control pose risks to competition integrity and the safety of student-athletes. This growing tension between major sports leagues and prediction markets highlights the need for a well-structured regulatory framework to protect all parties involved in sports betting.

Key Takeaways

The NFL is taking a strong stance against prediction markets, prohibiting any league members from engaging with such platforms.
The NCAA echoes similar concerns over potential regulatory loopholes that could compromise student-athlete integrity.
Both organizations are actively seeking to enhance education around sports betting through mandatory sessions.
Increased scrutiny on platforms like Kalshi and Robinhood signals a crucial moment for sports regulations.
Collaboration among stakeholders will be vital to create a sustainable and fair betting environment.

As sports betting continues to evolve in the U.S., it remains imperative that governing bodies and platforms work together to ensure the safety and integrity of the games while adapting to new technologies. Regulation is more important than ever to prevent issues related to manipulation and risks to student-athletes.