NCAA Postpones Implementation of Rule Allowing College Athletes to Bet on Professional Sports

NCAA Delays Rule Launch for College Athletes Betting on Pro Sports

The NCAA has been deliberating on whether to permit college athletes to place bets on professional sports. Recently, a decision was made, but its rollout has been postponed slightly.

The Division I Board, which was the final group to approve the rule, voted to shift the effective date from November 1, 2025, to November 22, 2025. This delay falls within the board’s rights, as any rule can be delayed for up to 30 days if less than 75% of the members approve it.

Concerns Following NBA Athlete Scandal Affecting Rule Approval

A recent scandal involving two or three NBA players has influenced some members to reconsider the timing of this rule change. Greg Sankey, SEC commissioner, communicated to NCAA president Charlie Baker that additional time was needed to further evaluate the decision.

Meanwhile, the NCAA has clarified that it is not promoting gambling among student-athletes. Instead, the organization aims to eliminate a rule that has proven to be more detrimental than beneficial.

The NCAA believes that punishing athletes who bet on professional sports has not helped preserve the integrity of college competitions. Instead, it has consumed resources that could be better allocated to other important areas.

Shift in Focus Toward Protecting Integrity and Student Well-being

Roberta Page, chair of the Division II Management Council and athletic director at Slipper Rock, explained that this adjustment acknowledges the current sports climate while still upholding the commitment to protect college sports’ integrity and prioritize student-athlete welfare.

By easing restrictions on betting, the NCAA plans to redirect effort and resources toward enforcing the existing regulations more effectively and addressing key violations under the current system that prohibits collegiate athletes from wagering on professional events.