Trending Now - NCAA Files Lawsuit Against Draftkings for Trademark Infringement
WHO:
NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association)
DraftKings, an online sportsbook
Charlie Baker, NCAA President
WHAT:
The NCAA filed a lawsuit against DraftKings for trademark infringement.
The lawsuit includes a request for an emergency restraining order to stop DraftKings from using trademarks such as "March Madness," "Final Four," "Elite Eight," and "Sweet Sixteen."
The NCAA claims DraftKings' use of its trademarks is unauthorized and misleading.
DraftKings removed some "egregious" uses of the trademarked terms but maintained its right to use them on its sports betting apps.
WHERE:
The lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of Indiana.
WHEN:
The lawsuit was filed on March 20th, 2026.
NCAA President Charlie Baker submitted a letter to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission on March 21st, 2026.
WHY:
The NCAA aims to protect its trademarks and maintain its institutional values against the association of sports betting with NCAA championships.
The NCAA believes that sports betting jeopardizes competitive integrity and endangers student-athletes.
HOW:
The NCAA's complaint includes screenshots of DraftKings' wagering platforms showing the use of NCAA trademarks.
The NCAA is seeking a briefing schedule beginning on March 23rd, 2026.
(UPDATED March 21, 2026 17:06 UTC)
The NCAA has filed a lawsuit against DraftKings for trademark infringement in the Southern District of Indiana, seeking an emergency restraining order to prevent the online sportsbook from using terms like "March Madness" and "Final Four." NCAA President Charlie Baker stated that the association aims to protect its trademarks and uphold its values, arguing that sports betting threatens competitive integrity and the safety of student-athletes. While DraftKings has removed some of the more blatant uses of these trademarks, they maintain their right to use them on their sports betting apps, and the NCAA's complaint includes evidence from their platforms.