Major League Baseball reportedly circulated an August memo warning major- and minor-league players that risking money on prediction markets tied to baseball would breach league rules. Some players told the report they had not seen the memo or been informed of the league’s position.
The reported memo warns players that betting on baseball prediction markets breaches MLB rules, though some players say they were unaware.
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Major League Baseball signed a memorandum of understanding with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission on prediction market integrity, according to the league and regulator statements cited in the report. The agreement provides for cooperation and information exchange related to baseball markets. MLB also partnered with Polymarket, but the report does not specify the partnership’s commercial terms.
Reportedly, Kalshi secured exclusive brand agreements lasting multiple years with five MLB teams. The partnerships include stadium advertising, digital and radio promotions, and fan activities; the Dodgers agreement also gives Kalshi naming rights to Dodger Stadium’s Gold Glove Bar.
Kalshi has agreed prediction market partnerships with the Dodgers and four other MLB teams. The report said prediction market operators now have partnerships with nearly 25% of MLB’s 30 clubs.
Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said MLB is considering working with prediction market platforms to strengthen sports integrity. He told team owners that prediction markets operate under a different regulatory framework from state-regulated sports betting.
The NFL will not allow its players to take financial stakes in prediction-market operators, spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed. The report says the league has raised concerns about prediction markets’ possible effects on game integrity and their regulatory framework; the policy’s application to the NFL Players Association remains unclear.