Judge denies push to make DraftKings stop using 'March Madness'
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- A federal judge denied the NCAA's request for a temporary restraining order to stop DraftKings from using trademarks like "March Madness," "Final Four," and other NCAA basketball tournament terms.
- The NCAA filed a trademark infringement complaint claiming DraftKings' use of these terms could confuse customers and falsely imply NCAA endorsement of sports betting.
- Judge Tanya Walton Pratt ruled the NCAA did not demonstrate irreparable harm from DraftKings' use but noted the possibility of a preliminary or permanent injunction after further discovery.
- DraftKings argued its use of the terms is protected under the First Amendment and that these phrases are widely used by fans, journalists, and other sportsbooks.
- The NCAA emphasized its opposition to any association between sports betting and its championships or student-athletes, highlighting its institutional values against gambling affiliations.
