Under the new pact, Polymarket and Kalshi can display official NBA and team logos and tap league data. In exchange, the NBA will vet the types of contracts each platform offers and collaborate to flag dubious trades and curb insider activity.
Prediction markets differ from traditional sportsbooks. As Vorkunov notes, they act as exchanges where two parties wager on future outcomes, rather than a bookie setting odds on a game.
“This category operates a little bit differently in terms of the types of markets they offered,” NBA executive VP Scott Kaufman‑Ross told Vorkunov. “It was very important for us to have that approval right. So yes, if there is an objectionable market that they want to offer, we have the right to say no to that.”
The NHL struck similar deals with Polymarket and Kalshi in 2025, and MLB partnered with Polymarket in March. Kaufman‑Ross explained the NBA waited until a solid regulatory framework was in place before signing.
We waited until every piece fell into place before moving forward, Kaufman‑Ross said.
The NBA also signed a memorandum of understanding with the CFTC, the federal agency overseeing prediction markets. For my money, this cautious alignment could become the industry benchmark as states like New York challenge the sector’s jurisdiction.
A few NBA stars have already endorsed the platforms—LeBron James with Polymarket and Giannis Antetokounmpo with Kalshi.
Vorkunov points out that critics worry the deals come amid recent gambling scandals involving Jontay Porter, Malik Beasley and Terry Rozier, while players say they face harsher social‑media abuse from bettors.