The NCAA has filed a complaint in federal court in Indianapolis against DraftKings seeking an emergency temporary restraining order to prevent the company from using the NCAA’s federally registered trademarks.
The lawsuit came during the start of the March Madness tournament, which is expected to generate $3 billion in bets for the online sports betting industry. DraftKings is a dominant player in the market.
The trademarks include:
- MARCH MADNESS
- FINAL FOUR
- ELITE EIGHT
- SWEET SIXTEEN
The NCAA said the company’s unauthorized use of its trademarks is “flatly contrary to one of the Association’s most deeply held institutional values.”
The organization added that, “sports betting must not be associated with, endorsed by, or linked to NCAA championships or the student-athletes who compete in them.”
Alleged DraftKings Gambling Harm
The organization also said that, “every day that DraftKings continues to use these marks, millions of sports fans — and, critically, college students and young adults who are particularly susceptible to gambling harm — are exposed to the false suggestion that the Association has authorized or endorsed DraftKings’ gambling platform.”
The NCAA has long sought to prohibit player prop bets, which DraftKings offers in numerous states. Some states ban college player props or limit them in some capacity.
The organization said DraftKings’ use of its marks “causes confusion among NCAA members and student-athletes that the Association is involved with and/or endorsing sports betting.”
No NCAA Marketing Deal with Sportsbooks
The NCAA does share data with the industry, but it doesn’t have any advertising deals.
“The NCAA does not have any commercial relationships with sportsbooks and continues to uphold a strict prohibition on advertising and sponsorships related to betting,” the organization said.
According to the NCAA, the lawsuit is a “crucial step” to protect young people from the “harms of sports betting.”
Despite industry responsible gambling messages, more Americans are experiencing problems with sports wagering.
More Lawsuits Coming?
Earlier this month, the NCAA gave an exclusive statement to GamblingHarm.org over Kalshi’s use of its trademarks.
Kalshi, a federally regulated prediction market that takes bets on sports, appeared to have removed the “March Madness” mentions.
It’s unclear if the NCAA will seek litigation against other betting platforms.
Zooming Out on NCAA v DraftKings Lawsuit
The NCAA’s lawsuit against DraftKings comes as:
- Many student-athletes face growing threats from sports bettors.
- Public opinion has shifted against legal sports betting.
- Half of online sports bettors chase losses, a sign of problem gambling.
- DraftKings launched its own controversial prediction market in late 2025.
The full NCAA statement.
