NCAA Sues DraftKings Over Use of 'March Madness' and Other Trademarks

The NCAA is seeking a temporary restraining order to stop the online sportsbook from using its intellectual property.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 1:26am

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The NCAA has filed a lawsuit against DraftKings, alleging that the online sportsbook is using the association's trademarks such as 'March Madness' and 'Final Four' without authorization to promote sports betting. The NCAA is seeking a temporary restraining order to stop DraftKings from using these trademarked terms.

Why it matters

The NCAA has long opposed the association of its championships and student-athletes with sports betting, fearing it could lead to increased harassment and manipulation of games. This lawsuit is part of the NCAA's broader efforts to limit the types of bets sportsbooks can offer on college sports events.

The details

The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Indianapolis, where the NCAA is headquartered. The NCAA claims that DraftKings' use of its trademarks is 'flatly contrary' to the association's 'deeply held institutional values' that sports betting should not be linked to NCAA championships or student-athletes. The NCAA says online harassment of college athletes has dramatically increased since the legalization of sports gambling.

  • The NCAA men's basketball tournament began this week with 16 first-round games on Thursday and Friday.
  • The first round of the NCAA women's tournament started on Friday.

The players

NCAA

The National Collegiate Athletic Association, the governing body for college sports in the United States.

DraftKings

An online sportsbook and daily fantasy sports provider.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on whether to grant the NCAA's request for a temporary restraining order against DraftKings.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the ongoing tension between the NCAA's desire to protect the integrity of college sports and the growing influence of the sports betting industry. The outcome could have significant implications for how sportsbooks are allowed to market their products around major college sporting events.