NBA Nearing Multiple Prediction Market Partnerships

The useful part

The NBA is finalizing multiple prediction-market partnerships ahead of the 2026-27 regular season, with active deal terms already under discussion. League officials have been exploring entry into the space since before last season. "The NBA has circulated a proposal to everybody," said one prediction-market industry executive, who expects announcements before the end of the month.

How it works

• Front Office Sports previously reported the NFL will not have prediction-market deals in place for the upcoming season.
• "My guess is the number is going to be bigger than MLB," said the prediction-market industry executive....
• "I would be shocked if they don't try to announce something before the season.
• Last week's 9th Circuit ruling against Kalshi, which prompted New Jersey to ask the U.S.
• Supreme Court to review the legality of sports-event contracts, has not slowed talks.

What to take from it

Kalshi and Polymarket have emerged as the most advanced discussions since talks accelerated in April, though the league has also engaged Novig, Fanatics and Rothera, a joint venture between Robinhood and Susquehanna, as it weighs its options. Unlike MLB's exclusive partnership with Polymarket announced in March, the NBA is expected to sign multiple partners with varying levels of rights. It remains possible one platform could be named the league's primary partner, receiving benefits such as in-game advertising and use of official team logos, names and real-time statistics.

Details worth keeping

The NBA and NFL remain the primary holdouts among U.S.