NBA Pursuing Prediction Market Deal

Where prediction markets end up — being deemed legal or taken off the playing board — will almost certainly be decided by the Supreme Court.

But until that decision is handed down, prediction markets continue to expand and are showing no signs of slowing down.

The latest proof: Major professional sports leagues entering or pursuing deals with prediction market operators, such as Kalshi and Polymarket.

Prediction Partnerships

NBA Jumps Into The Game

The NHL was the first major American sports league to reach a deal with the two major prediction market platforms. On Oct. 22, the NHL announced multiyear agreements with Polymarket and Kalshi.

Both operators were named prediction market partners of the NHL.

On March 19, MLB announced an agreement naming Polymarket the league’s official prediction market exchange.

The NBA apparently also wants in. On Thursday, Front Office Sports reported that the NBA is in discussions with both Polymarket and Kalshi.

Informal talks between the NBA and both operators have taken place for more than a year, but FOS said those discussions have recently intensified.

FOS reported that its sources indicated a deal between the NBA and one or both operators could be in place before the 2026-27 NBA season.

NFL Holding Out

If the NBA works out its deal, that would leave the NFL as the lone major U.S. pro sports league holding out on a prediction market partnership.

Without question, the NFL drives the American sports betting bus as the most popular league to wager on. No league/sport draws more U.S. wagering dollars than the NFL.

So, it’s hard to see the NFL not following suit at some point soon, particularly if the NBA gets a deal done. It’s an interesting dynamic that’ll be exciting to watch. Stay tuned.