The NCAA said Division I member schools voted to rescind a proposed rule change that would have allowed student-athletes and associated personnel to bet legally on professional sports. About two-thirds voted against the change, leaving the existing prohibition in place.
The decision maintains sports-betting restrictions for athletes and staff across NCAA Division I schools.
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LaVonte Holmes received a 30-month federal prison sentence on 20 January 2026 for his role in a sports betting fraud scheme, prosecutors said. Four co-defendants also received sentences ranging from six months to three years after pleading guilty to aggravated identity theft and unauthorised use of access devices.
Reportedly, Former Texas Tech wide receiver Roy Alexander has sued the NCAA to challenge a six-game suspension over sports wagering during his college career. His case follows temporary court relief that Brendan Sorsby obtained against a gambling sanction earlier this year.
It was reported that NCAA Division III approved revised reinstatement guidelines that reduce some first-offence wagering penalties. Stronger sanctions remain for conduct threatening sporting integrity, including bets involving athletes’ own schools.
The NCAA asked the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to suspend college sports prediction markets until stronger safeguards are in place, in written testimony to a congressional subcommittee. It also called for a minimum participation age of 21 and consultation with sports governing bodies before new college markets are approved; other witnesses defended existing industry controls.
The NCAA filed a lawsuit against DraftKings over its use of March Madness, Final Four, Elite Eight and Sweet Sixteen marks across sports betting products. The governing body is seeking a temporary restraining order, alleging trademark infringement.