NBA Enters Prediction Markets With Kalshi and Polymarket Deals

The NBA has officially entered the prediction markets space. The league reached agreements with Kalshi and Polymarket. The deals create a comprehensive framework for NBA-related prediction markets.

The scope of the agreement includes an expansion of the existing relationship with DraftKings. The leading US sports betting company was the second operator to launch its prediction market product last December. This time, it will cover sports trading alongside sports betting.

The NBA also signed a memorandum of understanding with the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The purpose of the memorandum is to protect the integrity of the agreement. The memorandum provides for sharing of surveillance data and cooperation with regulators in investigating suspicious transactions.

The framework places limits on permitted event contracts. There are restrictions on player-based bets, particularly contracts tied to individual performance and injuries. The goal is to prevent manipulation and harassment.

With this move, the league has moved away from its stance last year, when it said prediction markets carried "serious integrity risks." The NHL and MLS had signed similar agreements. The NFL remains the only major North American league without a deal in this area.