The NBA joins the MLB and NHL in agreeing information sharing with the CFTC
The National Basketball Association (NBA) has gone all-in on prediction markets after signing agreements with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Kalshi and Polymarket.
The NBA said the agreements will enable it to establish a comprehensive framework for NBA-related prediction markets, including integrity protections such as limitations on permissible markets, prohibitions on trading by league and team personnel, and information-sharing relating to investigations and suspicious trading.
“Protecting the integrity of the game is our top priority,” said Scott Kaufman-Ross, NBA head of media distribution & partnerships. “As this category develops, we believe it is important to work constructively with regulators and operators to help ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place. These partnerships represent an important step in establishing a framework that creates new opportunities to engage our fans.”
CFTC chairman Michael Selig commented: “I’m pleased the CFTC and NBA signed an MOU which continues the Commission’s commitment to increasing data sharing between the agency and professional sports leagues.
“The NBA joins the MLB and NHL in taking a responsible step toward protecting sports integrity and market participants from abuses in prediction markets like insider trading and fraud. I thank NBA Commissioner Adam Silver for putting the integrity of professional basketball and America’s financial markets first and for working with the CFTC on this MOU.”
Kalshi described the NBA partnership as a significant milestone for the company.
“The relationship we’ve built together reflects a shared mindset that prioritizes fan engagement, innovation and safety,” said Adam Barrick, head of sports partnerships at Kalshi. “We believe in markets that are fair, safe, and open – it’s why millions of people are coming to Kalshi to trade with nationwide consumer protections. It’s an exciting time for both NBA fans and Kalshi users.”
Ari Borod, president of sports business development at Polymarket, added: “The NBA is one of the most influential sports leagues in the world, and we’re excited to work together to bring fans closer to the game. This partnership will allow our customers to engage more deeply with the game of basketball on Polymarket.”