FBI and NCAA Collaborate to Combat Cyber-Enabled Sexual Exploitation of Athletes

The FBI and NCAA have partnered to address the rising threat of cyber-enabled sexual exploitation targeting college athletes. This initiative aims to protect athletes from scams that often involve sextortion, where victims are blackmailed with private sexual content. The FBI has reported a significant increase in such cyber crimes, particularly affecting individuals with large online followings. The partnership focuses on educating athletes about common cyber threats and providing resources for support. Although specific statistics on affected athletes were not disclosed, the FBI received over 75,000 sextortion-related submissions in 2025. The NCAA has also enhanced its resources to assist student-athletes in recognizing and managing online abuse. The initiative seeks to encourage victims to report incidents without fear of stigma or repercussions.

Key Points: • The FBI and NCAA are collaborating to combat cyber-enabled sexual exploitation of college athletes. • Sextortion is a primary threat, involving blackmail through private sexual content. • The initiative aims to educate athletes on cyber threats and provide necessary support resources.