The NBA is engaged in ongoing discussions with prediction market platforms Kalshi and Polymarket about a potential partnership, with negotiations picking up considerable traction in recent months, according to multiple sources who spoke with Front Office Sports.
Conversations between the league and these platforms had been taking place informally for more than a year.
Momentum picked up after Michael Selig, confirmed as chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission in December, began engaging directly with leagues and outlining a clearer regulatory approach.
“It was his engagement that accelerated talks,” one source said. “He signaled he has every intention of putting real regulation in place with proper protections.”
The league is prioritizing oversight, aiming to retain control over which types of markets would be allowed while also implementing systems to detect suspicious trading behavior.
Regulators have identified certain areas, such as markets tied to player injuries or unsportsmanlike conduct, as especially vulnerable to potential manipulation.
NBA In Active Talks With Kalshi, Polymarket On Prediction Market Deal https://t.co/S6CD8aiGzp
— RealGM (@RealGM) April 16, 2026
