NBA Hints at Future Prediction Markets Deal With CFTC
NBA and prediction markets providers could enter into a future deal, according to basketball’s top man, Adam Silver.
The NBA commissioner confirmed this week that the league is talking to “federal regulators” about their concerns over prediction markets.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and NBA continue to thrash out the details on a ‘memorandum of understanding’ (MOU). If the two sides reach an understanding, it would pave the way for partnerships with regulated platforms like Polymarket.
At a Glance:
- NBA Commissioner Adam Silver confirms talks in progress
- Partnership with prediction market operators a possibility
- “Integrity of competition” key to NBA’s future involvement
- Polymarket already partners with franchises, including MLS
‘Memorandum of understanding’ likely to mirror MLB agreement
Speaking to journalists, Silver confirmed that any deal would “resemble” the memorandum agreed between the CFTC and MLB.
The MLB signed a sponsorship deal with prediction market giant Polymarket last month. The deal was approved by the CFTC, which has federal regulatory powers over prediction markets. The MLS and NHL have similar agreements with Polymarket.
Polymarket has been busy recently. It is seeking $400 million in investment as part of its new funding round. Total trades on the platform have reached $1 billion per week.
Polymarket increases data integration in global sports leagues
Polymarket is expanding into various sports and is keen to access data to improve its prediction markets. This month, it signed a deal with LALIGA North America as its exclusive prediction market provider. It was the first such deal for a European soccer league.
Both LALIGA and Polymarket are keen to expand their influence on soccer fans. However, it also allows Polymarket to use official league data and fan opinion. According to Polymarket founder Shayne Coplan, it would give fans “a more expressive way to follow the game.”
Similarly, the MLS signed a deal with Polymarket in January, with fan-driven data powering more accurate prediction markets. There will be independent monitoring of trading to avoid accusations of insider dealing that have dogged the industry this year.
Change since 2025 NBA stance on predictions
The NBA has altered its position on prediction markets since last year, when it sent the CFTC an ‘Integrity Risks’ letter.
In the letter, the NBA warned against the “absence of the kind of robust, sports-specific regulatory framework” in prediction markets. They also highlighted the NBA’s general support for legalized sports betting, provided it is properly regulated.
The letter signed off with a desire to “further engage” with the CFTC on extra “regulatory provisions” over basketball predictions. It would appear that Adam Silver has received assurances that the NBA will follow the MLB and other leagues.
