Report: NCAA considering lifting ban on pro sports betting

By Chris Marler
Just when college athletics seemed to settle into its new era of NIL and realignment, another wave of change is on the horizon and this time, in sports betting.
According to sources with Sports Illustrated, the NCAA is considering lifting its current ban on sports betting involving professional sports. The current rules in place dictate that no athlete, coaches, and/or staff can wager on professional sports that are also sponsored by the NCAA. Meaning no wagering on pro sports that are also sports overseen by the NCAA i.e. the NFL, NBA, MLB, golf, tennis, etc.
Sources: NCAA leaders mulling lifting prohibitions against betting on professional sports. https://t.co/UBYTEM1uSQ
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) May 9, 2025
The new proposed rule change would remove its current limitations and shift to strictly prohibiting wagering on collegiate events. The initial vote saw an overwhelming majority of people in favor of deregulating the current prohibitions by a vote 21-1.
The next step will be sending the proposal to the D-I Council and will be discussed in the upcoming week. If the council is in favor the new legislation approving of pro sports wagering could be in place starting at the end of June.