Members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce have requested a briefing from NCAA President Charlie Baker regarding the organization’s recent decision to allow student athletes and athletic department staff to bet on professional sports. The request follows an announcement that, effective November 1, 2025, this policy would apply across all three NCAA divisions.
The committee’s letter asks for clarification on several points. These include the rationale behind the NCAA’s policy change, any studies or reviews conducted on the impact of gambling among student athletes, and how this change will help maintain the integrity of college sports while promoting healthy habits for those engaging in betting activities.
Committee members also seek information about communication with athletic conferences and member institutions regarding concerns over the new rule. They ask whether recent allegations of illegal sports betting among student athletes have led the NCAA to reconsider implementing its policy.
Other questions focus on safeguards against illegal betting, especially as some student athletes may eventually become professional players. The committee is also requesting details about any fraudulent or illegal betting practices involving NCAA participants and about the organization's “layered integrity monitoring program” for addressing violations.
The inquiry comes after an October 24 launch by the Committee on Energy and Commerce into issues of sports fixing and illegal gambling following indictments by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against NBA players and coaches. Although initial plans set a November 1 start date for permitting bets by student athletes and staff, implementation was delayed to November 22 after a vote by the Division I Board of Directors.
In a recent press release, the NCAA stated: “enforcement staff has opened investigations into potential sports betting violations by approximately 30 current or former men's basketball student-athletes.”
For further details, readers can access the full letter here.
