A clear breakdown of peptide regulations across NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, and Olympics. Know what is banned and what is not.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational and research purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about peptide use or any medical treatment. Individual results may vary.
Peptides in Sports: What Each League Allows (2026)
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. Sports doping regulations change frequently.
The Short Answer
Almost all professional and college sports ban peptide hormones, growth factors, and related substances. The specific rules vary by league, but testing is getting stricter and penalties are getting harsher.
Quick Reference
| League | Peptides Banned? | HGH Tested? |
|---|---|---|
| NCAA | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| NFL | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| NBA | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| MLB | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| NHL | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Limited |
| Olympics | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
NCAA — College Sports
Peptides are banned. No exceptions for medical use.
Banned Substances
- Growth hormone (hGH)
- IGF-1
- Peptide hormones and analogues
- Growth factors and mimetics
- BPC-157 (explicitly banned)
- EPO
Penalties
- Suspension from competition
- Loss of eligibility
- Season-long sanctions
NFL — National Football League
One of the strictest policies. HGH testing is mandatory.
Banned Substances
- Anabolic steroids
- Human growth hormone (HGH)
- Growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs)
- IGF-1 and related factors
Penalties
| Offense | Suspension |
|---|---|
| 1st (HGH/steroids) | 4 games |
| 2nd | 8 games |
| 3rd | 1+ year |
NBA — National Basketball Association
HGH tested since 2015-16.
Banned Substances
Penalties
| Offense | Suspension |
|---|---|
| 1st | 20 games |
| 2nd | 45 games |
| 3rd | Banished |
MLB — Major League Baseball
Strict PED policy. No TUE for HGH.
Banned Substances
- Human growth hormone (HGH)
- IGF-1
- Anabolic steroids
- EPO
- hCG
Penalties
| Offense | Suspension |
|---|---|
| 1st | 50 games |
| 2nd | 100 games |
| 3rd | Lifetime ban |
NHL — National Hockey League
Based on WADA list, but some flexibility.
Banned Substances
- Anabolic steroids
- Human growth hormone (HGH)
- Growth agents
- EPO
Note: Uses WADA-prohibited list as baseline. Some substances (like cannabinoids) are NOT banned.
Olympics / WADA
The strictest rules. BPC-157 specifically banned since 2022.
Banned Categories
- S0: Non-approved substances (includes BPC-157)
- S1: Anabolic agents
- S2: Peptide hormones (HGH, IGF-1, GHRPs)
- S3: Beta-2 agonists
- S4: Hormone and metabolic modulators
Penalties
- Up to 4-year suspension for first offense
- Lifetime ban for second offense
Specific Peptides: What's Banned?
| Peptide | Status |
|---|---|
| BPC-157 | Banned by WADA (2022+) |
| HGH | Banned everywhere |
| IGF-1 | Banned everywhere |
| CJC-1295 | Banned (GHRP) |
| Ipamorelin | Banned (GHRP) |
| TB-500 | Likely banned |
| PT-141 | May be allowed |
Key Takeaways
- Assume it's banned — If it's a peptide hormone or growth factor, don't risk it.
- HGH testing is standard — NBA, NFL, MLB, and Olympics all test via blood.
- BPC-157 is specifically banned — WADA added it in 2022 under S0.
- No TUEs for HGH — MLB explicitly does not allow therapeutic use exemptions.
- Supplement contamination is on you — "I didn't know" is not a defense.
- Year-round testing — Most leagues test both in-season and off-season.
Bottom Line
If you're a competitive athlete — college or pro — avoid peptides completely. The risks:
- Multi-game suspensions
- Reputation damage
- Contract termination
Last updated: February 2026. Regulations may change.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational and research purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about peptide use or any medical treatment. Individual results may vary.
About the Author
Peptok Research
Researcher
Content reviewed and fact-checked by our multidisciplinary research team with expertise in peptide science, biochemistry, and clinical research.
Last updated: February 19, 2026
References
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For specific questions about sources or to suggest additional research, please contact research@peptok.ai