NCAA Lifts Championship Ban After Supreme Court Ruling on Sports Gambling

The NCAA announced it has lifted its ban on holding championships in states that allow for legal, single-game sports betting Thursday.

On Monday, the Supreme Court erased a federal law against sports betting and empowered states to legalize wagering on sports.

The states will temporarily be allowed to hold championships until a more permanent decision in future meetings.

NCAA president Mark Emmert expressed in Thursday's release over how legalized sports betting might impact college sports:

"Our highest priorities in any conversation about sports wagering are maintaining the integrity of competition and student-athlete well-being. Sports wagering can adversely impact student-athletes and undermine the games they play. We are committed to ensuring that laws and regulations promote a safe and fair environment for the nearly half a million students who play college athletics.

[...]

"While we recognize the critical role of state governments, strong federal standards are necessary to safeguard the integrity of college sports and the athletes who play these games at all levels."

Although states that allow sports betting will no longer be prohibited from hosting NCAA championships, there is still a ban on sports gambling sponsors for NCAA championships and FBS bowls.

Nevada, Delaware, Montana and Oregon were the only states with some form of legalized sports betting prior to the Supreme Court decision.

All four states will now be eligible to host NCAA championships, as will any other states that legalize sports betting moving forward.