NBA takes its first step into the predictive market, announcing that it will list the leading platforms Kalshi and Polymarket as its preferred exchanges.
The alliance stated that, according to these agreements, markets related to NBA will implement "important integrity" protection measures, including restrictions on the types of event contracts that can be launched, as well as requirements for information sharing regarding suspicious transactions.
NBA Media Distribution and Cooperation Officer Scott Kaufman - Ross stated in the press release: "Protecting the integrity of the competition is our top priority. These collaborations represent an important step in establishing a framework that will create new opportunities to attract our fans."
As part of the announcement, the alliance also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) of the United States. This federal agency asserts that forecasting markets fall under its regulatory jurisdiction. The memorandum states that the agreement seeks to maintain the integrity of the NBA and event contract markets through information exchange.
NBA is the latest sports league to establish a partnership with the rapidly developing predictive market industry. Over the past year, a significant portion of growth in this industry has come from the popularity of sports-related products. NHL announced in October 2025 that it had formed partnerships with both Kalshi and Polymarket, while MLB announced a partnership with the latter in March of this year.
However, these similar contracts are also being criticized by states across the United States. The states argue that such products are essentially equivalent to sports betting and should therefore be regulated at the state level. On the other hand, platform providers and CFTC believe that these event contracts are types of swaps, which are derivatives, and thus should be regulated at the federal level. Courts across the country have made contradictory rulings on this issue, and many expect that ultimately the Supreme Court of the United States may need to resolve this dispute.
Polymarket, President of Sports Business Development, stated in a press release: "NBA is one of the most influential sports leagues in the world, and we are delighted to collaborate to bring fans closer to the games."
As preferred exchanges, Kalshi and Polymarket will be granted the rights to use the intellectual property of NBA, as well as marketing and licensing rights.
Kalshi, the person in charge of sports cooperation, stated in a press release: "This is an exciting moment for NBA fans and Kalshi users alike. The relationship we have built together reflects a common philosophy of prioritizing fan participation, innovation, and safety."
NBA This move on Monday means that, in terms of predicting market trends, NFL has now become an exception among the major sports leagues in the United States.
Earlier this month, NFL stated in an amicus curiae brief submitted to the United States Supreme Court that contracts related to sporting events should be regulated by individual states rather than by CFTC. The league added that it is not opposed to such markets, but believes that they should be subject to more regulations.
At that time, Kalshi told CNBC that the company had attempted to establish closer cooperation with NFL, but the alliance side did not participate.
However, in early October, President NBA took a different stance on regulatory issues during an interview with journalist Contessa Brewer from CNBC.
He said, "At least from the perspective of NBA, there are currently about 40 different jurisdictions regulating us. Therefore, if a consistent policy could be implemented nationwide, I believe that would be in our best interest."
—— CNBC's Jessica Golden also contributed to this article's reporting.
Disclosure:CNBC has a business relationship with Kalshi, which includes customer acquisition cooperation and a small amount of equity investment.
