He claims the NCAA must stick to “values-based bold leadership” to handle the challenges his industry faces today.

He said: “Sports wagering is going to have a dramatic impact on everything we do in college sports.

“It’s going to threaten the integrity of college sports in many ways unless we are willing to act boldly and strongly.”

Emmert offered few specific details on the changes that should be made to protect college sports.

While NCAA athletes are not paid, making match fixing more of a concern than in major pro leagues, Emmert’s statement does not address the multiple ways it is already possible to bet on college sports.

Last May, a US Supreme Court ruling overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA); a law which  prohibited states outside Nevada, Montana, Delaware and Oregon from legalising sports betting.

The NCAA was outspoken against efforts to repeal PASPA, despite the protective effect regulation could have on college sports.