NCAA’s Division III Management Council Supports Deregulation of Pro Sports Betting

During its recent two-day virtual assembly, the Division III Management Council of the NCAA undertook significant steps towards the deregulation of betting on professional sports, reflecting a transformative shift in the approach to sports gambling within collegiate athletics.

## Considering Support Structures for Student-Athletes with Gambling Issues

In a groundbreaking move, the NCAA’s Management Council has tasked its staff with formulating proposals for Division III committees aimed at introducing support measures—such as safe harbor provisions—designed to offer limited immunity or mitigate penalties for student-athletes who violate sports betting regulations but proactively seek assistance for problem gambling.

Jason Verdugo, chair of the council and athletics director at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, emphasized, “The exploration of safe harbor or limited immunity for student-athletes engaged in sports betting highlights our unwavering commitment to harm reduction and education. By advocating for deregulation in professional sports betting, we aim to foster an environment where student-athletes and staff feel empowered to seek help for gambling-related issues.”

## Easing Restrictions on Sponsorships and Partnerships

In addition to addressing gambling regulation, the Division III Management Council approved proposals permitting schools and conferences to pursue financial partnerships and sponsorships with professional sports organizations. This strategic deregulation will enable institutions to explore collaborative opportunities that can enhance their athletic programs and financial stability through innovative funding avenues.

The Management Council operates under the authority of the Presidents Council, executing policies established by both the NCAA’s Board of Governors and Division III Presidents Council. Furthermore, it holds the capacity to sponsor legislative proposals and interpret the bylaws governing Division III.

## Introducing an Eligibility Pilot Waiver Program

Another significant initiative put forth by the Management Council is a proposed waiver pilot program. If approved, this program will allow Division III student-athletes to maintain their eligibility and represent their schools in intercollegiate competition while enrolled at institutions that do not sponsor varsity athletics but have a formal academic agreement with their current school.

This proposed pilot program could pave the way for greater academic flexibility and opportunities for student-athletes, enabling them to fulfill both their educational and athletic aspirations effectively. The Presidents Council is scheduled to deliberate on this initiative in its upcoming meeting later this month, with a final decision anticipated. Should the pilot program be greenlit, schools will be eligible to submit waiver requests for the academic year 2025-26.

## Launching the Coaches Connect Program

Additionally, the Management Council has approved the establishment of a Coaches Connect Program, aimed at enhancing communication, engagement, and education among Division III coaches concerning governance and championship issues.

The goal of this program is to equip coaches with the necessary tools to make informed decisions while collaborating effectively with athletic administrators and conference officials. The initiative will feature a representative from each conference sponsoring the sport, in conjunction with the NCAA Division III championships manager, members from the sport and rules committee, a Championships Committee representative, and a coach’s association representative.

Initially, this program will be rolled out for three specific sports during the 2025-26 academic year, including four scheduled videoconferences from September to June to discuss pertinent challenges impacting each sport.

These progressive measures signify the NCAA Division III Management Council’s commitment to evolving alongside industry trends, enhancing student-athlete welfare, and promoting an inclusive environment that prioritizes education, support, and innovation within collegiate athletics.

As the gambling ecosystem continues to shift, and more institutions begin to acknowledge the importance of responsible gaming and partnerships, the steps outlined here will play a crucial role in shaping the future landscape of collegiate sports.

Jose Del Pozo is an experienced iGaming analyst, with over a decade of expertise in content creation for casino and betting platforms. His insights are highly regarded across prominent websites such as PokerListings, Casinobee, and Betpack, where he contributes to the evolving discourse surrounding the iGaming industry.