NCAA Blasts Kalshi for Transfer Portal Odds, But Is It Fair?

• Kalshi, a prediction market, is offering odds for college players in the transfer portal, which you can also find at offshore sportsbooks.
• NCAA president Charlie Baker says that he is “vehemently opposed” to this, even though the NCAA has partnerships with sportsbooks.
• Is it fair of the NCAA to be against these types of odds, yet have their partnerships with betting sites?

Kalshi, a prediction market, has released markets on NCAA players in the transfer portal. You can also find these odds at offshore sportsbooks.

The NCAA has stated their opposition to these props, although they are also partnered with certain sportsbooks.

Baker Lashes Out at Kalshi for Transfer Portal Odds

Kalshi told the Commodity Futures Trading Commission that they were certifying markets for the transfer portal. NCAA president Charlie Baker released a statement:

These markets are based on public announcements by players wishing to enter the transfer portal, as well as an announcement on where they’ll go. You can also find these odds at offshore sportsbooks such as BetUS and BetOnline.

Prediction markets differ from some sportsbooks in that they deal with the CFTC, which means they can operate in all 50 states. Meanwhile, regulated sportsbooks have to deal with each state, and can only operate where sports betting is now legal.

However, the NCAA has their partnerships with sportsbooks, which puts this situation in a different light.

Is It Fair of the NCAA to Speak Out Against Kalshi?

In early 2025, the NCAA struck a deal with some sportsbooks to allow use of their logos, as well as getting information and data from them. It’s fair to ask if the NCAA would be so opposed to these markets if one of their partners wanted to do it. Genius Sports, who will distribute the NCAA information to sportsbooks, said they would look to:

"Strengthen integrity protections and promote responsible betting practices, including limiting risky bet types, ensuring compliance, and safeguarding student-athletes."

The NCAA has had a few gambling scandals pop up recently, including one that involved six players from three schools. They should focus their attention on educating their student-athletes, because sports betting isn’t going away. They want to use their power to try to shut prediction markets down. But what happens when one of their partners wishes to do it? This seems like the NCAA trying to take down a competitor, as opposed to caring about the best wishes of their players.

You’ll still be able to find these markets at offshore sportsbooks. These markets are growing in popularity, and it’s going to be tough to close them down!