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NCAA Grabs More Control of Ticket Resales

Group says moves are for the fans; critics see similarities with pros

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 18, 2008 11:58 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The NCAA is stepping up its efforts to rake in more money from March Madness by striking deals with online sites that resell tickets and travel packages at hefty profits, the Los Angeles Times reports. By sanctioning such deals, the NCAA says it can guard against unscrupulous gouging, but critics say the nonprofit overseer of college sports is running its business just like the pros.

"The NCAA says it adheres strongly to its amateur ideal, but it seems to be operating precisely, exactly the same way that the major professional sports enterprises are," said one expert. Just about every aspect of March Madness has turned into a cash cow for the NCAA—from TV revenue to its tightly regulated ticket lottery—a fact not reflected in the relatively modest face value of tickets.

Members of the Georgia basketball team react when their NCAA tournament bracket position is announced following their 66-57 win over Arkansas in the 2008 Southeastern Conference tournament.
Members of the Georgia basketball team react when their NCAA tournament bracket position is announced following their 66-57 win over Arkansas in the 2008 Southeastern Conference tournament.   (Associated Press)
Fans wanting to see North Carolina's Tyler Hansbrough in the NCAA's Final Four can bid on options to buy those tickets, but they'll pay off only if the Tar Heels advance.
Fans wanting to see North Carolina's Tyler Hansbrough in the NCAA's Final Four can bid on options to buy those tickets, but they'll pay off only if the Tar Heels advance.   (Associated Press)
NCAA restrictions will allow players like UCLA's Lorenzo Mata-Real and Kevin Love to purchase options on Final Four ticket packs, but not to resell or trade them.
NCAA restrictions will allow players like UCLA's Lorenzo Mata-Real and Kevin Love to purchase options on Final Four ticket packs, but not to resell or trade them.   (Associated Press)
If Memphis fans turn to RazorGator's online market for NCAA-sanctioned ticket resales, a percentage of the proceeds goes to the NCAA as well as to RazorGator.
If Memphis fans turn to RazorGator's online market for NCAA-sanctioned ticket resales, a percentage of the proceeds goes to the NCAA as well as to RazorGator.   (Associated Press)
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COMMENTS
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FirstDibz is like markets, or gambling
Indianapolis Star

BBB warns locals against ticket scams
Lex 18 (KY)

Tar Heels fans have swamped local venues
Fayetteville Observer (NC)

 
NCAA • NCAA basketball • college • ticket sales • ticket resellers • March Madness • 2008 NCAA Tournament • ticket lottery • RazorGator • FirstDIBZ.com

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