NCAA.com Terms of Service

FIRST, AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE: PLEASE READ THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE (“Terms”, “Terms of Service”, or “Agreement”) CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THE NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (“NCAA”) DESKTOP AND MOBILE WEBSITES, MOBILE APPLICATIONS, DIGITAL CONTENT OFFERINGS, AND ANY OTHER NCAA DIGITAL PLATFORM (the “Services”), AS THEY AFFECT YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, WAIVERS OF RIGHTS, LIMITATION OF LIABILITY, AND YOUR INDEMNITY TO US. THIS AGREEMENT REQUIRES THE USE OF ARBITRATION ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS TO RESOLVE DISPUTES, RATHER THAN COURTS OR JURY TRIALS, AND LIMITS THE REMEDIES AVAILABLE IN THE EVENT OF A DISPUTE.

Your access to and use of the Services is subject to the following terms and conditions (including the Privacy Policy of the Services) and all applicable laws. By accessing and using these Services, you signify your assent to these Terms of Service. Assent to these Terms of Service requires the use of arbitration on an individual basis to resolve disputes, rather than courts or jury trials, and limits the remedies available in the event of a dispute. If you do not agree to these Terms of Service, please do not use the Services. These Terms of Service may be amended or modified, or new conditions may be imposed, at any time. Any such changes or additions will be reflected by an update of this posting. Please check these Terms of Service periodically for changes. Your continued use of the Services following the posting of changes to these terms (including the Privacy Policy ) will mean you accept those changes.

  1. Introduction

The Services, including but not limited to NCAA.com, are operated by Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. (“Turner”) pursuant to an agreement with the NCAA. Turner and NCAA shall each, and collectively, be referred to herein as the “Operator.”

  1. General

(A) This Agreement, which incorporates by reference other provisions applicable to use of the Services, including, but not limited to, the Services’ Privacy Policy, governing the use of certain specific material contained in the Services, sets forth the terms and conditions that apply to your use of the Services. By using Services, you agree to comply with all of the terms and conditions hereof. The right to use the Services is personal to you and is not transferable to any other person or entity. To the extent you register for or otherwise create an account via the Services, you are responsible for all use of your account (under any screen name or password) and for ensuring that all use of your account complies fully with the provisions of this Agreement. You shall be responsible for protecting the confidentiality of your password(s), if any.

(B) Operator shall have the right, at any time, to change or discontinue any aspect or feature of Services, including, but not limited to, content, hours of availability, and equipment needed for access or use.

  1. Equipment

You shall be responsible for obtaining and maintaining all telephone, computer hardware, and other equipment needed for access to and use of the Services and all charges related thereto.

  1. Intellectual Property

The content and materials contained within the Services (including, but not limited to, video, audio, photos, text, images, statistics, updated scores, logos and other intellectual property related to the NCAA and its member institutions) (“NCAA Content”) are either owned by or licensed to the Operator.  In addition, the entire contents of the Services are copyrighted as a collective work under the United States copyright laws. The Operator owns a copyright in the selection, coordination, arrangement, and enhancement of such content, as well as in the content original to it. You may not modify, reproduce, publish, transmit, participate in the transfer or sale, create derivative works, use for commercial purposes, or in any way exploit, any of the NCAA Content, in whole or in part except as provided in these Terms of Service. Except as otherwise expressly permitted under United States copyright law, no copying, redistribution, retransmission, publication, or commercial exploitation of downloaded material will be permitted without the express permission of Operator and the copyright owner. In the event of any permitted copying, redistribution, or publication of copyrighted material, no changes in or deletion of author attribution, trademark legend, or copyright notice shall be made. You acknowledge that you do not acquire any ownership rights by downloading copyrighted material.  Modification or other unauthorized use of any materials displayed on the Services is a violation of the Operator’s copyright and other proprietary rights and may also violate the rights of various other parties and/or applicable laws.  Without limiting or waiving any of Operator’s available remedies, You agree that you will promptly, and in any event within 24 hours, remove any infringing or otherwise objectionable materials from any platform or service if the Operator or its agent requests that you do so, and that you will maintain the ability to remove such content from any platform or service on which you cause it to be placed or with which you cause it to be affiliated.  The foregoing provisions of this Section 4 and 6 below are for the benefit of Turner, NCAA (and its member institutions) and each of their respective subsidiaries, parent companies, affiliates, and third party content providers and licensors and each shall have the right to assert and enforce such provisions directly or on its own behalf.

  1. NCAA Trademarks

The NCAA name and logo and the names and logos of the Services and the NCAA member institutions are the property of the NCAA and the member institutions of the NCAA. All other trademarks, logos and service marks (collectively, the “Trademarks”) appearing on the Services are Trademarks of their respective owners. Nothing contained on the Services should be construed as granting, by implication, estoppel, or otherwise, any license or right to use any Trademark displayed on the Services without the written permission of its respective owner. Your use of the Trademarks displayed on the Services, or any other content on the Services, except as provided in these Terms of Services, is strictly prohibited. The Operator does not make any warranty or representation that your use of materials displayed on the Services will not infringe or violate the rights of others.

  1. Your Conduct

(A)  You shall use the Services for lawful purposes only.  You shall not post or transmit through the Services any material which: (i) restricts or inhibits any other user from using and enjoying the Services; (ii) is unlawful, threatening, abusive, bigoted, hateful, libelous, defamatory, invasive of privacy or publicity rights, obscene, vulgar, offensive, pornographic, profane or otherwise objectionable, sexually explicit,   or indecent; (iii) constitutes, advocates or encourages conduct that would constitute or give rise to a criminal offense, civil liability or other violation of any local, state, national or international law; (iv) violates, plagiarizes or infringes the rights of third parties including, without limitation, copyright, trademark, patent, rights of privacy or publicity or any other proprietary right; (v) contains a virus or other harmful component; (vi) contains any information, software or other material of a commercial nature; (vii) contains advertising, promotions or commercial solicitations of any kind; (viii) constitutes or contains false or misleading indications of origin or statements of fact; or (ix) contains material irrelevant to the subject matter of the Services.

(B)  The Operator shall have the right, but not the obligation, in its sole discretion to review, edit or delete any materials, content or messages transmitted in any part of the Services that violate the foregoing or any other term of these Terms of Service. Please be advised that the Operator reserves the right to fully cooperate with any law enforcement authorities or court order requesting or directing the Operator to disclose personal information of anyone who submits materials that violates the foregoing terms, in accordance with the Privacy Policy of the Services.

(C)  You shall not upload, post, or otherwise make available on the Services any material protected by copyright, trademark, or other proprietary right without the express permission of the owner of the copyright, trademark, or other proprietary right, and the burden of determining that any material is not protected by copyright rests with you. You shall be solely liable for any damage resulting from any infringement of copyrights, proprietary rights, or any other harm resulting from such a submission. By transmitting or submitting any creative ideas, concepts, know-how, techniques, suggestions, opinions, votes, content or materials (collectively, “Submissions”), you are automatically granting the Operator a perpetual, royalty-free, non-exclusive, unrestricted, worldwide and irrevocable right and license to use, reproduce, modify, publish, translate, prepare derivative works based upon, distribute, perform and/or display such Submissions, in whole or in part, in any form, media or technology now known or hereafter developed for any purpose, including, but not limited to, advertising and promotional purposes, and to sublicense such rights to others (collectively, “Rights”). All Submissions, whether solicited or unsolicited, shall become and remain the property of the Operator. This means that anything submitted by you to or through the Services may be used by the Operator for any purpose, now or in the future, without any payment to, or further authorization by, you. The Operator also has the right, but not the obligation, to use your name in connection with the broadcast, print, online or other use or publication of your Submission.

  1. Votes, Contests, and Sweepstakes

The Services may offer you opportunities to vote in connection with certain events and also to enter contests and sweepstakes. By casting a vote or entering contests or sweepstakes, you signify your agreement to all special terms set forth in connection with the Services applicable to the balloting, contest or sweepstakes, as well as to the terms set forth in these Terms of Service.

  1. Links

The following restrictions apply to all links to NCAA.com or any of the other Services from any on-line, cable, wireless or other site, service or browser:  (A) On-line, cable, wireless or other sites, services or browsers created by, licensed by or substantially associated with any entity that regularly promotes any product, brand or service (a “Commercial Site”) may not link to the Services without the written permission of the Operator, even if the page/area where the link originates does not promote a product, brand or service. (B) Sites, services or browsers other than Commercial Sites (e.g., fan sites, chamber of commerce sites, search engines, widely available Internet browsers) (“Permissible Sites”) may link to the Services without the express written permission of the Operator if such link is: (i) a “word” (as opposed to a “logo”) link (e.g., “NCAA.com,” or “The Official Site of the National Collegiate Athletic Association”); and (ii) spatially separated from, and not otherwise associated with, any sponsorship advertising, or other commercial text or graphics that may be on the page/area containing such word link.  (C) The NCAA.com logo or any other logo of the NCAA (a “logo” link) may not be used to link to the Services without the written permission of the Operator. (D) No link to the Services may be “framed” by the Permissible Site where the link originated if such “frame” contains any sponsorship, advertising or other commercial text or graphics. (E) All links to NCAA.com from a Permissible Site must be to the NCAA.com home page — links to internal pages within NCAA.com (e.g., a photo gallery or a feature article) are not permitted. (F) The posting or creation of any link to the Services signifies that you have read these Linkage Restrictions and agree to abide by their terms. (G) Operator reserves the right at any time to require the removal of any link to the Services, whether from a Permissible Site or otherwise.

  1. Third-Party Content

(A) Operator is a distributor (and not a publisher) of content supplied by third parties and end users of the Services. Accordingly, Operator has no more editorial control over such content than does a public library, bookstore, or newsstand. Any opinions, advice, statements, services, offers, or other information or content expressed or made available by third parties, including information providers, or any other user of the Services, are those of the respective author(s) or publisher(s) and not of Operator. Neither Operator nor any third-party provider of information guarantees the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any content, nor its merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. (Refer to Section 12, below, for the complete provisions governing limitation of liabilities and disclaimers of warranty.)

(B) In many instances, the content available through the Services represents the opinions and judgments of the respective information provider, or other user not under contract with Operator. Operator neither endorses nor are responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, advice, or statement made on the Services by anyone other than authorized Turner or NCAA employee spokespersons while acting in their official capacities. Under no circumstances will Turner or NCAA be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on information obtained through the Services. It is your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information, opinion, advice, or other content available through the Services. Please seek the advice of professionals, as appropriate, regarding the evaluation of any specific information, opinion, advice, or other content.

  1. Monitoring

Operator shall have the right, but not the obligation, to monitor the content of the Services, including chat rooms and forums, to determine compliance with these Terms of Service and any operating rules established by Operator and to satisfy any law, regulation, or authorized government request. Operator shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to edit, refuse to post, or remove any material submitted to or posted on the Services. Without limiting the foregoing, Operator shall have the right to remove any material that Operator, in its sole discretion, find to be in violation of the provisions hereof or otherwise objectionable.

  1. NCAA.com Store

The NCAA.com Store (the “Store”) allows you to order products (the “Merchandise”) supplied and managed by an independent merchandise vendor, Fanatics, Inc. (“FANATICS”). By placing an order in the Store, you acknowledge that FANATICS is exclusively responsible for the fulfillment and shipment of all Merchandise ordered. FANATICS can be reached by using the contact information provided below.  By placing an order on the Store, you agree to pay FANATICS all amounts accrued in your account, including sales tax and shipping and handling charges, when due. Your ability to purchase Merchandise is subject to limits established by the Operator, FANATICS or your credit card issuer. FANATICS may bill your credit card at the time Merchandise is ordered. FANATICS may, in its sole discretion, decline service to or terminate your account without notice. The Operator reserves the right, in its sole discretion, without prior notice, to limit the order quantity on any product or service and/or to refuse service to any customer.  You may have the option to personalize certain Merchandise ordered on the Store (e.g., jerseys). The Operator reserves the right, in its sole discretion, without prior notice, to refuse to fulfill any order for Merchandise containing personalized content which the Operator deems to be illegal, offensive or inappropriate. Questions relating to the Store, Merchandise and its fulfillment should be directed to FANATICS by telephone at 855-214-0063 or as described at https://www.shopncaasports.com/how-can-i-contact-customer-service/ch-2681.

  1. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES AND DAMAGES; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY

(A) THE SERVICES AND ALL RELATED MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE BY APPLICABLE LAW, TURNER, NCAA AND ITS MEMBER INSTITUTIONS, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE PARENT, AFFILIATE AND SUBSIDIARY ENTITIES, AND ALL EMPLOYEES, DIRECTORS, AND OFFICERS OF THE FOREGOING (COLLECTIVELY, “OPERATOR PARTIES”) DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  THE OPERATOR PARTIES DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE FUNCTIONS CONTAINED IN THE SERVICES WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE, THAT DEFECTS WILL BE CORRECTED, OR THAT THE SERVICES ARE FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS. THE OPERATOR PARTIES DO NOT WARRANT OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE USE OR THE RESULTS OF THE USE OF THE SERVICES OR ANY RELATED MATERIALS IN TERMS OF THEIR CORRECTNESS, ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE. YOU (AND NOT THE OPERATOR PARTIES) ASSUME THE ENTIRE COST OF ALL NECESSARY SERVICING, REPAIR OR CORRECTION. 

(B) THE INFORMATION AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN BULLETIN BOARDS, CHAT ROOMS, OR OTHER FORUMS CONDUCTED VIA THE SERVICES (“FORUMS”) ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE OPERATOR PARTIES, AND THE OPERATOR PARTIES MAKE NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES REGARDING THAT INFORMATION OR THOSE OPINIONS. FURTHERMORE, THE OPERATOR PARTIES ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE TO ANY PERSON OR ENTITY WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, PERSONS WHO MAY USE OR RELY ON SUCH DATA/MATERIALS OR TO WHOM SUCH DATA/MATERIALS MAY BE FURNISHED) FOR ANY LOSS, DAMAGE (WHETHER ACTUAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, OR OTHERWISE), INJURY, CLAIM, LIABILITY, OR OTHER CAUSE OF ANY KIND OR CHARACTER WHATSOEVER BASED UPON OR RESULTING FROM ANY INFORMATION OR OPINIONS PROVIDED IN THE SERVICES.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

(C) TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL THE OPERATOR PARTIES BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR (1) ANY PERSONAL INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, LOST PROFITS, COST OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES, LOSS OF DATA, LOSS OF GOODWILL, WORK STOPPAGE, COMPUTER AND/OR DEVICE OR TECHNOLOGY FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION, (2) ANY FORM OF INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER, OR (3) ANY DIRECT DAMAGES IN EXCESS OF (IN THE AGGREGATE) OF ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100), EVEN IF OPERATOR PARTIES HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE, BASED ON ANY CAUSES OF ACTION ARISING OUT OF ANY ALLEGED FAILURE OF PERFORMANCE, ERROR, OMISSION, INTERRUPTION, DELETION, DEFECT, OR DELAY IN SERVICE, OPERATION, OR TRANSMISSION OF THE SERVICES, OR ANY ALLEGED COMPUTER VIRUS, COMMUNICATION LINE FAILURE, THEFT OR DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY, AND/OR UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS TO, ALTERATION OF, USE OF, OR POSTING OF ANY RECORD, CONTENT, OR TECHNOLOGY PERTAINING TO OR ON THE SERVICES. YOU AGREE THAT THIS LIMITATION OF LIABILITY APPLIES WHETHER SUCH ALLEGATIONS ARE FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT, TORTIOUS BEHAVIOR, NEGLIGENCE, OR FALL UNDER ANY OTHER CAUSE OF ACTION, REGARDLESS OF THE BASIS UPON WHICH LIABILITY IS CLAIMED AND EVEN IF THE OPERATOR PARTIES HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH LOSS OR DAMAGE. WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING, YOU ALSO SPECIFICALLY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE OPERATOR PARTIES ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY ACTUAL OR ALLEGED DEFAMATORY, OFFENSIVE, OR ILLEGAL CONDUCT OF OTHER USERS OF THE SERVICES OR ANY OTHER THIRD PARTIES. 

(D) IF APPLICABLE LAW DOES NOT ALLOW ALL OR ANY PART OF THE ABOVE LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND/OR EXCLUSIONS OF WARRANTIES TO APPLY TO YOU, THE LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS WILL APPLY TO YOU ONLY TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

  1. Disputes/Arbitration

 We endeavor to resolve customer concerns as quickly as possible. Please contact us at http://www.ncaa.org/about/contact-ncaa.  

In the unlikely event that you’re not satisfied with customer service’s solution, and we and you are unable to resolve a dispute through the Informal Dispute Resolution Procedures below, we each agree to resolve the dispute through binding arbitration or small claims court instead of in courts of general jurisdiction. 

Arbitration is more informal than a lawsuit in court. Arbitration uses a neutral arbitrator instead of a judge or jury, allows for more limited discovery than in court, and is subject to very limited review by courts. Unless expressly limited by this arbitration provision, arbitrators can award the same damages and relief that a court can award. Any arbitration under this Agreement will take place on an individual basis; class arbitrations and class actions are not permitted. In arbitration you may be entitled to recover attorneys’ fees from us to the same extent as you would be in court. 

ARBITRATION AGREEMENT 

(A) Claims Subject to Arbitration: To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, you and we agree to arbitrate all disputes and claims between us arising out of or in connection with your access to, and/or use of the Services, and/or the provision of content, services, and/or technology on or through the Services, except for disputes, claims, or controversies concerning patents, copyrights, moral rights, trademarks, trade secrets, and claims of piracy or unauthorized use of the Services, which shall not be subject to arbitration. This Arbitration Agreement is intended to be broadly interpreted. It includes, but is not limited to: 

• claims arising out of or relating to any aspect of the relationship between us, whether based in contract, tort, fraud, misrepresentation or any other statutory or common-law legal theory; 

• claims that arose before this or any prior Agreement (including, but not limited to, claims relating to advertising); 

• claims for mental or emotional distress or injury not arising out of physical bodily injury; 

• claims that are currently the subject of purported class action litigation in which you are not a member of a certified class; and 

• claims that may arise after the termination of this Agreement. 

References to “Operator Parties,” “you,” “we” and “us” in this Arbitration Agreement include our respective predecessors in interest, successors, and assigns, as well as our respective past, present, and future parents, subsidiaries and affiliates (including Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. and its affiliates); those entities and our respective agents, employees, licensees, licensors, and providers of content as of the time your or our claim arises; and all authorized or unauthorized users or beneficiaries of Services under this or prior Agreements between us. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may elect to have claims heard in small claims court seeking only individualized relief, so long as the action is not removed or appealed to a court of general jurisdiction. This Arbitration Agreement does not preclude you from bringing issues to the attention of federal, state, or local agencies. You agree that, by entering into this Agreement, you and we are each waiving the right to participate in a class action and to a trial by jury to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. This Agreement evidences a transaction in interstate commerce, and thus the Federal Arbitration Act (9 U.S.C. §§ 1-16) governs the interpretation and enforcement of this arbitration provision. This Arbitration Agreement shall survive termination of this Agreement. 

(B) Mandatory Pre-Arbitration Notice and Informal Dispute Resolution Procedures: You and we agree that good-faith, informal efforts to resolve disputes often can result in a prompt, cost-effective and mutually beneficial outcome. Therefore, a party who intends to initiate arbitration or file a claim in small claims court must first send to the other a written Notice of Dispute (“Notice”).  A Notice from you to Operator Parties must be emailed to notice@wbd.com (“Notice Address”). Any Notice must include (i) the claimant’s name, address, and email address; (ii) a description of the nature and basis of the claim or dispute; (iii) if you are submitting the Notice, any relevant facts regarding your use of the Services, including whether you have created an account with or receive any newsletters associated with any of the Services; (iv) a description of the nature and basis of the specific relief sought, including the damages sought, if any, and a detailed calculation for them; and (v) a personally signed statement from the claimant (and not their counsel) verifying the accuracy of the contents of the Notice.  The Notice must be individualized, meaning it can concern only your dispute and no other person’s dispute.   

After receipt of a completed Notice, the parties shall engage in a good faith effort to resolve the dispute for a period of 60 days (which can be extended by agreement). You and we agree that, after receipt of the completed Notice, the recipient may request an individualized telephone or video settlement conference (which can be held after the 60-day period) and both parties will personally attend (with counsel, if represented). You and we agree that the parties (and counsel, if represented) shall work cooperatively to schedule the conference at the earliest mutually-convenient time and to seek to reach a resolution. If we and you do not reach an agreement to resolve the issues identified in the Notice within 60 days after the completed Notice is received (or a longer time if agreed to by the parties), you or we may commence an arbitration proceeding or a small claims court proceeding (if permitted by small claims court rules). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the notice and sixty (60)-day negotiation period required by this Section 13.B shall not apply, however, to disputes, claims, or controversies concerning patents, copyrights, moral rights, trademarks, trade secrets, and claims of piracy or unauthorized use of the Services. 

Compliance with this Mandatory Pre-Arbitration Notice and Informal Dispute Resolution Procedures section is a condition precedent to initiating arbitration. Any applicable limitations period (including statute of limitations) and any filing fee deadlines shall be tolled while the parties engage in the informal dispute resolution procedures set forth in this Subsection 13.B. All of the Mandatory Pre-Arbitration Notice and Informal Dispute Resolution Procedures are essential so that we and you have a meaningful opportunity to resolve disputes informally. If any aspect of these requirements has not been met, a court of competent jurisdiction may enjoin the filing or prosecution of an arbitration. In addition, unless prohibited by law, the arbitration administrator may not accept, administer, assess, or demand fees in connection with an arbitration that has been initiated without completion of the Mandatory Pre-Arbitration Notice and Informal Dispute Resolution Procedures. If the arbitration is already pending, it shall be administratively closed. Nothing in this paragraph limits the right of a party to seek damages for non-compliance with these Procedures in arbitration.  

(C) Arbitration Procedure: The arbitration will be governed by applicable rules of National Arbitration & Mediation (“NAM”) (including the Comprehensive Dispute Resolution Rules and Procedures and/or the Supplemental Rules for Mass Arbitration Filings, as applicable) (“NAM Rules”)), as modified by this Arbitration Agreement, and will be administered by NAM. (If NAM is unavailable or unwilling to do so, another arbitration provider shall be selected by the parties that will do so, or if the parties are unable to agree on an alternative administrator, by the court pursuant to 9 U.S.C. §5.) The NAM Rules are available online at www.NAMADR.org, by calling NAM at 1-800-358-2550, or by requesting them in writing at the Notice Address. You may obtain a form to initiate arbitration at: https://www.namadr.com/content/uploads/2020/09/Comprehensive-Demand-for-Arb-revised-9.18.19.pdf or by contacting NAM.   

You and we agree that the party initiating arbitration must submit a certification that they have complied with and completed the Mandatory Pre-Arbitration Notice and Informal Dispute Resolution Procedures requirements referenced in Section 13.B and that they are a party to the Arbitration Agreement enclosed with or attached to the demand for arbitration. The demand for arbitration and certification must be personally signed by the party initiating arbitration (and their counsel, if represented). 

All issues are for the arbitrator to decide, except as otherwise expressly provided herein and except as to issues relating to the scope and enforceability of the Arbitration Agreement or whether a dispute can or must be brought in arbitration (including whether a dispute is subject to this Arbitration Agreement or a previous arbitration provision between you and us), which are for a court of competent jurisdiction to decide. The arbitrator may consider but shall not be bound by rulings in other arbitrations involving different customers.  

Unless we and you agree otherwise, or the applicable NAM Rules dictate otherwise, any arbitration hearings will take place in the county (or parish) of your billing address and you and an Operator Parties representative will be required to attend in person. For residents outside the United States, arbitration shall be initiated in New York, New York.  At the conclusion of the arbitration proceeding, the arbitrator shall issue a reasoned written decision sufficient to explain the essential findings and conclusions on which the award is based. The arbitrator’s decision is binding only between you and us and will not have any preclusive effect in another arbitration or proceeding that involves a different party. An arbitrator’s award that has been fully satisfied shall not be entered in any court.   

As in court, you and we agree that any counsel representing a party in arbitration certifies when initiating and proceeding in arbitration that they are complying with the requirements of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11(b), including certification that the claim or relief sought is neither frivolous nor brought for an improper purpose. The arbitrator is authorized to impose any sanctions under the NAM Rules, Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11, or applicable federal or state law, against all appropriate represented parties and counsel.   

Except as expressly provided in the Arbitration Agreement, the arbitrator may grant any remedy, relief, or outcome that the parties could have received in court, including awards of attorneys’ fees and costs, in accordance with applicable law. Unless otherwise provided by applicable law, the parties shall bear their own attorneys’ fees and costs in arbitration unless the arbitrator awards sanctions or finds that either the substance of the claim, the defense, or the relief sought is frivolous or brought for an improper purpose (as measured by the standards set forth in Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11(b)).   

(D) Arbitration Fees: The payment of arbitration fees (the fees imposed by the arbitration administrator including filing, arbitrator, and hearing fees) will be governed by the applicable NAM Rules, unless you qualify for a fee waiver under applicable law. If after exhausting any potentially available fee waivers, the arbitrator finds that the arbitration fees will be prohibitive for you as compared to litigation, we will pay as much of your filing, arbitrator, and hearing fees in the arbitration as the arbitrator deems necessary to prevent the arbitration from being cost-prohibitive, regardless of the outcome of the arbitration, unless the arbitrator determines that your claim(s) were frivolous or brought for an improper purpose or asserted in bad faith. You and we agree that arbitration should be cost-effective for all parties and that any party may engage with NAM to address the reduction or deferral of fees. 

(E) Confidentiality: Upon either party’s request, the arbitrator will issue an order requiring that confidential information of either party disclosed during the arbitration (whether in documents or orally) may not be used or disclosed except in connection with the arbitration or a proceeding to enforce the arbitration award and that any permitted court filing of confidential information must be done under seal to the furthest extent permitted by law. 

(F) Offer of Settlement: In any arbitration between you and us, the defending party may, but is not obligated to, make a written settlement offer at any time before the evidentiary hearing or, if a dispositive motion is permitted, prior to the dispositive motion being granted. The amount or terms of any settlement offer may not be disclosed to the arbitrator until after the arbitrator issues an award on the claim. If the award is issued in the other party’s favor and is less than the defending party’s settlement offer or if the award is in the defending party’s favor, the other party must pay the defending party’s costs incurred after the offer was made, including any attorney’s fees. If any applicable statute or case law prohibits the shifting of costs incurred in the arbitration, then the offer in this provision shall serve to cease the accumulation of any costs to which the party bringing the claim may be entitled for the cause of action under which it is suing. 

(G) Requirement of Individualized Relief: The arbitrator may award declaratory or injunctive relief only in favor of the individual party seeking relief and only to the extent necessary to provide relief warranted by that party’s individual claim. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, YOU AND WE AGREE THAT EACH MAY BRING CLAIMS AGAINST THE OTHER ONLY IN YOUR OR OUR INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS, REPRESENTATIVE, OR PRIVATE ATTORNEY GENERAL PROCEEDING. Further, unless both you and we agree otherwise, the arbitrator may not consolidate more than one person’s claims and may not otherwise preside over any form of a representative, class, or private attorney general proceeding. If, after exhaustion of all appeals, any of these prohibitions on non-individualized declaratory or injunctive relief; class, representative, and private attorney general claims; and consolidation are found to be unenforceable with respect to a particular claim or with respect to a particular request for relief (such as a request for injunctive relief sought with respect to a particular claim), then the parties agree such a claim or request for relief shall be decided by a court of competent jurisdiction, after all other arbitrable claims and requests for relief are arbitrated. You agree that any arbitrations between you and us will be subject to this Section 13 and not to any prior arbitration agreement you had with us, and, notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, you agree that this Section 13 amends any prior arbitration agreement you had with us, including with respect to claims that arose before this or any prior arbitration agreement.    

(H) Opt Out of Future Changes: Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, if Operator Parties makes any future change to this Arbitration Agreement (other than a change to the Notice Address), you may reject any such change by sending Operator Parties an email to notice@wbd.com within 30 days of the posting of the amended arbitration agreement that provides: (i) your full legal name, (ii) your complete mailing address, (iii) your phone number, (iv) if applicable, the username or email address associated with any potential account or newsletter; and (v) the approximate date of your initial use of the relevant Site. Such an opt-out email must be sent by you personally, and not by your agent, attorney, or anyone else purporting to act on your behalf. It must include a statement, personally signed by you, that you wish to reject the change to the Arbitration Agreement. This is not an opt out of arbitration altogether.  

(I) Mass Filing: 

If, at any time, 25 or more claimants (including you) submit Notices or seek to file demands for arbitration raising similar claims against the other party or related parties by the same or coordinated counsel or entities, consistent with the definition and criteria of Mass Filings (“Mass Filing”) set forth in NAM’s Mass Filing Supplemental Dispute Resolution Rules and Procedures (“NAM’s Mass Filing Rules,” available at https://www.namadr.com/resources/rules-fees-forms/), you and we agree that the additional procedures set forth below shall apply. The parties agree that throughout this process, their counsel shall meet and confer to discuss modifications to these procedures based on the particular needs of the Mass Filing. The parties acknowledge and agree that by electing to participate in a Mass Filing, the adjudication of their dispute might be delayed. Any applicable limitations period (including statute of limitations) and any filing fee deadlines shall be tolled beginning when the Mandatory Pre-Arbitration Notice and Informal Dispute Resolution Procedures are initiated, so long as the pre-arbitration Notice complies with the requirements in Section 13.B, until your claim is selected to proceed as part of a staged process or is settled, withdrawn, otherwise resolved, or opted out of arbitration. 

Stage One: Counsel for the claimants and counsel for Operator Parties shall each select 25 claims per side (50 claims total) to be filed and to proceed in individual arbitrations as part of a staged process. Each of these individual arbitrations shall be assigned to a different, single arbitrator unless the parties agree otherwise in writing. Any remaining claims shall not be filed or be deemed filed in arbitration, nor shall any arbitration fees be assessed in connection with those claims unless and until they are selected to be filed in individual arbitration proceedings as part of a staged process. After this initial set of staged proceedings is completed, the parties shall promptly engage in a global mediation session of all remaining claims with a retired federal or state court judge and Operator Parties shall pay the mediator’s fee. 

Stage Two:  If the remaining claims are not resolved at this time, counsel for the claimants and counsel for Operator Parties shall each select 50 claims per side (100 claims total) to be filed and to proceed in individual arbitrations as part of a second staged process, subject to any procedural changes the parties agreed to in writing. Each of these individual arbitrations shall be assigned to a different, single arbitrator unless the parties agree otherwise in writing. Any remaining claims shall not be filed or be deemed filed in arbitration, nor shall any arbitration fees be assessed in connection with those claims unless and until they are selected to be filed in individual arbitration proceedings as part of a staged process. After this second set of staged proceedings is completed, the parties shall promptly engage in a global mediation session of all remaining claims with a retired federal or state court judge and Operator Parties shall pay the mediator’s fee. 

Stage Three: If the remaining claims are not resolved at this time, counsel for the claimants and counsel for Operator Parties shall each select 100 claims per side (200 claims total) to be filed and to proceed in individual arbitrations as part of a third staged process, subject to any procedural changes the parties agreed to in writing. Any remaining claims shall not be filed or be deemed filed in arbitration, nor shall any arbitration fees be assessed in connection with those claims unless and until they are selected to be filed in individual arbitration proceedings as part of a staged process. Following this third set of staged proceedings, counsel for claimants may elect to have the parties participate in a global mediation session of all remaining claims with a retired federal or state court judge. 

If your claim is not resolved as part of the staged process identified above, either:

Option One: We and you may separately or by agreement, opt out of arbitration and elect to have your claim heard in court consistent with the Agreement. You may opt out of arbitration by providing your individual, personally signed notice of your intention to opt out by sending Operator Parties an email to notice@wbd.com.  Such an opt-out email must be sent by you personally, and not by your agent, attorney, or anyone else purporting to act on your behalf. It must include a statement, personally signed by you, that you wish to opt out of arbitration within 30 days after the conclusion of Stage 3 or the elective mediation associated with Stage 3. We may opt your claim out of arbitration by sending an individual, personally signed notice of its intention to opt out to your counsel within 14 days after the expiration of your 30 day opt out period. Counsel for the parties may agree to adjust these deadlines. 

OR 

Option Two: If neither you nor Operator Parties elect to have your claim heard in court consistent with Option One, then you agree that your claim will be resolved as part of continuing, staged individual arbitration proceedings as set forth below. Assuming the number of remaining claims exceeds 200, then 200 claims shall be randomly selected (or selected through a process agreed to by counsel for the parties) to be filed and to proceed in individual arbitrations as part of a staged process. If the number of remaining claims is fewer than 200, then all of those claims shall be filed and proceed in individual arbitrations. Any remaining claims shall not be filed or be deemed filed in arbitration, nor shall any arbitration fees be assessed in connection with those claims unless and until they are selected to be filed in individual arbitration proceedings as part of a staged process. After each set of 200 claims are adjudicated, settled, withdrawn, or otherwise resolved, this process shall repeat consistent with these parameters. Counsel for the parties are encouraged to meet and confer, participate in mediation, and engage with each other and with NAM (including through a Procedural Arbitrator) to explore ways to streamline the adjudication of claims, increase the number of claims to proceed at any given time, promote efficiencies, conserve resources, and resolve the remaining claims. 

A court of competent jurisdiction shall have the authority to enforce these Mass Filing provisions and, if necessary, to enjoin the mass filing, prosecution, or administration of arbitrations and the assessment of arbitration fees. If these additional procedures apply to your claim, and a court of competent jurisdiction determines that they are not enforceable as to your claim, then your claim shall proceed in a court of competent jurisdiction consistent with this Agreement.   

We and you agree that we each value the integrity and efficiency of arbitration and wish to employ the process for the fair resolution of genuine and sincere disputes between us. We and you acknowledge and agree to act in good faith to ensure the processes set forth herein are followed. The parties further agree that application of these Mass Filing procedures have been reasonably designed to result in an efficient and fair adjudication of such cases. 

(J) Severability: If any portion of this Arbitration Agreement is found to be void, invalid, or otherwise unenforceable, then that portion shall be deemed to be severable and, if possible, superseded by a valid, enforceable provision, or portion thereof, that matches the intent of the original provision, or portion thereof, as closely as possible. The remainder of this Arbitration Agreement shall continue to be enforceable and valid according to the terms contained herein. 

  1. Class Action and Jury Trial Waiver

PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY – IT MAY SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECT YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS.

(A) We and you agree that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, we and you will resolve any disputes, claims, or controversies (whether in court or in arbitration) only on an individual basis, and that any claims brought under these Terms of Service in connection with the Services may only be brought in an individual capacity, and not on behalf of, or as part of, any purported class, consolidated, private attorney general, or representative proceeding, unless doing so as a parent, guardian, or ward of a minor or in another similar capacity for an individual who cannot otherwise bring their own individual claim. We and you further agree that we and you shall not participate as a plaintiff, claimant, or class member in any class, collective, consolidated, private attorney general, or representative proceeding (existing or future) arising under these Terms of Service or in connection with the Services. We and you also agree that we and you shall not participate in any class, collective, consolidated, private attorney general, or representative proceeding brought by any third party arising under these Terms of Service or in connection with the Services. Notwithstanding the foregoing, you or Operator Parties may participate in a class-wide settlement.

(C) To the fullest extent permitted by law, we and you waive any right to a jury trial.

(D) The terms of this provision will apply to any claims asserted by you against any Operator Parties to the extent that any such claims arise out of your access to, and/or use of the Services, and/or the provision of content, services, and/or technology on or through the Services.

  1. Text Message Campaigns

The SMS text message campaign terms below govern the provision and delivery of text messages by us to you:

Your electronic agreement to receive text messages; E-sign disclosure
By agreeing to receive text messages, you also consent to the use of an electronic record to document your agreement. To stop receiving text messages from our text message program, simply text STOP to the short code provided in the text messages that you no longer wish to receive. To view and retain a copy of this disclosure or any information regarding your enrollment in this program, you will need (i) a device (such as a computer or mobile phone) with a web browser and Internet access, and (ii) either a printer or storage space on such device.

What rules apply? 
When you sign up to receive text messages in connection with any of our text message programs, you are agreeing to our Terms of Service including these SMS text message terms set forth in this Section 15 of our Terms of Service.

What are NCAA text message programs?
Consistent with applicable law, appropriately aged visitors may from time to time have the opportunity to register for special programs, promotions, services, and information delivered via text messaging and/or wireless devices to users who expressly agree to receive such messages.

Does it cost anything to receive texts from an NCAA text message program? 
We will not charge you to create or deliver the text messages that are part of any of our text message programs unless otherwise noted at the point where you sign up for the program; however, depending on your plan with your wireless or other applicable provider, you may be charged by your carrier or other applicable provider. Thus, your provider’s standard message and data rates may apply. Your consent to receive texts from us is not in any way required as a condition of purchasing property, goods or services from us.

Who can receive texts? 
By signing up to receive texts, you represent that you are thirteen (13) years of age or older and, if you are under the age of eighteen (18), you either are an emancipated minor, or have obtained the legal consent of your parent, legal guardian, or account holder to sign up for text messages and to fulfill the obligations and agree to the terms set forth in these Terms of Service. You further represent that you are the subscriber of the cellular service at the mobile number provided or that you are authorized by the subscriber to sign-up for texts.

What if I don’t want to receive any more texts from an NCAA text message program? 
To stop receiving text messages from a specific NCAA text message program, simply text STOP to the short code provided by us in the text message program texts that you no longer wish to receive. After doing so, you will receive confirmation of your opt-out via text. If you have signed up for more than one (1) of our text message programs you will need to text STOP to the short code provided in the texts for each text message program from which you wish to no longer receive texts.

What if I want more info?
To request more info, simply text HELP to the short code provided in the texts related the specific NCAA.com text message program you have questions about.

How many text messages will I receive? 
The number of texts you receive from us may vary significantly, depending in part on the specific text message program you sign up for.

Who are the participating carriers?
Content may not be available on all carriers and carrier participation could change. You may consult with your carrier to see if it participates. The content is not compatible with all cell phone models. We will not be liable for any delays in the receipt of any SMS messages or changes to the participating carriers as delivery is subject to effective transmission from your carrier with active participation at that time.

How are the text messages sent?
We or our vendor who sends the texts may use auto dialer or non-auto dialer technology to send the text messages described above to the mobile phone number you supply when you request to receive the texts.

What are your privacy practices? 
By signing up for texts, you also agree to our Privacy Policy which is incorporated by reference herein.

Will these terms change? 
We reserve the right to modify these SMS text message terms, or any part thereof, or add or remove terms at any time, and such modifications, additions, or deletions will be effective immediately upon posting. Your receipt of texts after such posting shall be deemed to constitute acceptance by you of such modifications, additions, or deletions.

  1. Notice to Users

The Operator may give notice to users of the Services by means of a general notice on or through the Services or by electronic mail to a user’s e-mail address if on record in the Operator’s account information.

  1. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold Turner, its parents and affiliates, The National Collegiate Athletic Association, its member institutions, and each of their respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, vendors and business partners, harmless from all claims, liabilities, damages and expenses (including attorneys’ fees and court costs) arising out of or relating to: (i)  any use of the Services by you or via your account; and (ii) any breach or alleged breach of these Terms of Service.

  1. Termination of Service

The Operator may change, suspend or discontinue any aspect of the Services at any time without cause and/or notice, and in such case, the Operator Parties shall have no liability to you in connection with such change, suspension or discontinuance.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Operator shall have the right to immediately terminate your use of the Services, including without limitation, any Services account(s), or impose limits on certain features and services or restrict your access to parts or all of the Services in the event of any conduct by you which Operator, in its sole discretion, considers to be unacceptable, or in the event of any breach by you of this Agreement. The provisions of Sections 4-6, 12-14, 17 and this Section 18, and all other provisions which by their terms or nature should be deemed to survive, shall survive termination of this Agreement. 

  1. Software

Software and other materials from the Services may also be subject to United States Export Control. The United States Export Control laws prohibit the export of certain technical data and software to certain territories. No software from the Services may be downloaded or exported (A) into (or to a national or resident of) Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, the Sudan, Syria or any other country to which the United States has embargoed goods; or (B) anyone on the United States Treasury Department’s list of Specially Designated Nationals or the U.S. Commerce Department’s Table of Deny Orders. The Operator does not authorize the downloading or exportation of any software or technical data from the Services to any jurisdiction prohibited by the United States Export Laws.

  1. Notice of Copyright Infringement

The Operator respects the rights of all copyright holders and in this regard, the Operator has adopted and implemented a policy that provides for the termination in appropriate circumstances of users who infringe the rights of copyright holders.  If you believe in good faith that your copyrighted work has been reproduced on or linked from the Services without authorization in a way that constitutes copyright infringement, please provide our designated copyright agent with the following information required by the Online Copyright Infringement Liability Limitation Act of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. 512: (a) identification of the copyrighted work claimed to have been infringed; (b) identification of the allegedly infringing material that is requested to be removed and information reasonably sufficient to permit us to locate the material; (c) your name, address and daytime telephone number, and an e-mail address if available, so that we may contact you if necessary; (d) a statement that you have a good-faith belief that the use of the copyrighted work is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law; (e) a statement that the information in the notification is accurate, and under penalty of perjury, that the signatory is authorized to act on behalf of the owner of an exclusive copyright right that is allegedly infringed; and (f) an electronic or physical signature of the copyright owner or someone authorized on the owner’s behalf to assert infringement of copyright and to submit the statement. The copyright agent for notice of claims of infringement in connection with the Services is:

Turner Sports Copyright Agent

Turner Sports Interactive, Inc.

1050 Techwood Drive, NW

ATTN: Legal Dept.

Atlanta, GA 30318-5604

Phone: 1-844-356-7875

Email: TSIcopyrightagent@turner.com 
 

  1. Governing Law and Venue

(A) The data/materials and all other content and features on the Services are presented for the purpose of providing entertainment, news, and/or information and/or promoting programs, films, music, games, and other products and/or services that are or may become available in the United States, its territories, possessions, and protectorates. Any and all disputes, claims and controversies arising out of or in connection with your access to, and/or use of the Services, and/or the provision of content, services, and/or technology on or through the Services shall be governed by and construed exclusively in accordance with the laws and decisions of the State of New York applicable to contracts made, entered into and performed entirely therein, without giving effect to its conflict of laws provisions. Any dispute that is not subject to arbitration under Section 13 (Disputes/Arbitration) of the Agreement, or any issues involving arbitrability or enforcement of any provisions under Section 13 shall be brought in the appropriate state or federal court located in New York County, New York; and we and you each irrevocably consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state or federal courts in New York County, New York for the adjudication of all non-arbitral claims.

(B) The Services are controlled and operated by us from our offices within the United States. The Services are intended for residents of the United States unless otherwise noted. Residents outside of the United States understand and consent that the data submitted on the Services will be transmitted to and processed within the United States. If you choose to access the Services from other locations you do so on your own initiative and at your own risk. You are responsible for complying with local laws, if and to the extent local laws are applicable. You specifically agree to comply with all applicable laws concerning the transmission of technical data exported from the United States or the country you reside in.

  1. Miscellaneous  

These Terms of Service constitute the entire agreement between the parties, and supersede all prior and contemporaneous written or oral agreements, proposals or communications with respect to the subject matter herein between you and the Operator. At any time, Operator in its sole discretion may amend or modify the terms and conditions applicable to your use of the Services (including but not limited to these Terms of Service), or any part thereof, or impose new conditions, including but not limited to, adding fees and charges for use.  Such amendments, modifications, changes, additions or deletions shall be effective immediately upon notice thereof, which may be given by any means, including but not limited to, posting within the Services, or by electronic or conventional mail, or by any other means by which you obtain notice thereof.  Any use of the Service after such notice will constitute acceptance of such amendments, modifications or additions by you. The section headings in these Terms of Service are for convenience only and must not be construed as legal advice to you. No waiver by either party of any breach of default hereunder shall be deemed to be a waiver of any preceding or subsequent breach or default.  If any provision of these Terms of Service is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unlawful, void, invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

Contact: To contact the Services, please visit the Contact Us page through the Services or on NCAA.com

This Agreement was last updated on: February 21, 2023