College sports have always been a big business in the United States. From March Madness to the College Football Playoff, millions of fans tune in every year to watch their favorite teams compete. And with the rise of sports betting, many colleges and universities have started to explore sponsorship deals with sportsbooks. However, recent developments suggest that this era may be coming to an end.

In the past few years, several states have legalized sports betting, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. This has led to a surge in revenue for sportsbooks, who are eager to partner with colleges and universities to gain exposure and attract new customers. For example, in 2019, the University of Colorado signed a five-year, $1.6 million deal with PointsBet, a sportsbook based in Australia.

However, these deals have come under scrutiny in recent months. In March 2021, the NCAA announced that it would not allow championships to be held in states where sports betting is legal. This decision was made in response to concerns about the integrity of college sports and the potential for athletes to be influenced by gambling interests.

In addition, some lawmakers have expressed concern about the impact of sports betting on young people. In April 2021, a group of senators introduced a bill that would ban sportsbook sponsorships of college sports teams and events. The bill, known as the Collegiate Athletics Protection Act, would prohibit colleges and universities from accepting sponsorship deals from sportsbooks or allowing them to advertise on campus.

These developments suggest that the era of college-sportsbook deals and sponsorships may be coming to an end. While some schools may continue to pursue these deals, they will likely face increased scrutiny and regulation. In addition, the NCAA’s decision to limit championship events in states where sports betting is legal could make it more difficult for schools to justify these partnerships.

Despite these challenges, sports betting is likely to remain a major industry in the United States. As more states legalize sports betting, sportsbooks will continue to seek out new partnerships and opportunities for growth. However, the end of the era of college-sportsbook deals and sponsorships suggests that the industry will need to adapt to changing attitudes and regulations in order to thrive in the years ahead.