New Prevalence Estimates and Litigation
Researchers at Boston University published a study in JAMA Network Open estimating that 74.5% of 2,362 former NFL players who died between 2008 and 2023 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The release coincides with ongoing UK litigation where over 500 former rugby players have been cleared to take brain-injury claims against governing bodies towards trial, alleging failures to protect them from repeated head impacts.
Underwriting and Market Response
Insurers writing contact sports face growing exposure from long-tail neurological claims. Some international markets have already altered terms, such as Australia's Zurich removing concussion and CTE from disability cover for Australian rules players. UK underwriters are increasingly scrutinising concussion protocols, return-to-play rules, and claims history during policy renewals.