MLB Considers Partnerships with Prediction Markets

Commissioner Manfred says leagues could work with platforms to protect game integrity

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said the league is considering partnering with controversial prediction market platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket, which have become increasingly popular in recent years. Manfred cited the need to ensure the "integrity" of the game, noting that regulations around legal sports betting and prediction markets are "very different." While some leagues like the NHL and MLS have already struck deals with prediction market companies, the NFL has been more hesitant, banning them from advertising during the Super Bowl.

Why it matters

Prediction markets have emerged as a new frontier in sports betting, raising concerns about game integrity and player manipulation. MLB's potential move to partner with these platforms signals a shift in how major sports leagues are approaching this controversial industry, as they seek to gain more control and oversight.

The details

Manfred told MLB owners that working with prediction market companies could help the league get the "protections we need" to ensure the integrity of the game. He noted that regulations around legal sports betting and prediction markets are "very different," leaving a grey area for sports leagues. While the NHL, UFC, and MLS have already partnered with prediction market firms, the NFL has been more cautious, banning them from advertising during the Super Bowl. Manfred's comments come as MLB deals with the aftermath of a pitch-rigging scandal involving two Guardians pitchers.

  • On February 13, 2026, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred discussed the league's potential partnerships with prediction market platforms during an owners' meeting in Palm Beach, Florida.
  • In October 2025, the NHL became the first major sports league to partner with prediction market companies Polymarket and Kalshi.
  • In November 2025, UFC's parent company TKO Group Holdings announced a partnership with Polymarket.
  • In December 2025, the MLS reached a deal with Polymarket.
  • Earlier in February 2026, the NFL banned prediction markets from advertising during Super Bowl 2026.

The players

Rob Manfred

The Commissioner of Major League Baseball.

Kalshi

A popular and controversial prediction market platform that was banned from advertising during Super Bowl 2026.

Polymarket

A prediction market platform that has partnered with several major sports leagues, including the NHL, UFC, and MLS.

Roger Goodell

The Commissioner of the National Football League, who has expressed caution about the league entering into partnerships with prediction market companies.

Emmanuel Clase

A pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians who faced federal charges for an alleged pitch-rigging scheme.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We thought it was important for the owners to be updated on why prediction markets are different than sports betting — why we might want to consider being in business with prediction markets in an effort to protect our integrity to get the kind of protections we need.”

— Rob Manfred, Commissioner, Major League Baseball (nypost.com)

“On the predictive markets, for us, that's not something we're about to enter into. We are going to see how things play out, both from a regulatory standpoint. … There are a lot of legal challenges going on right now.”

— Roger Goodell, Commissioner, National Football League (nypost.com)

What’s next

MLB is expected to continue discussions with prediction market platforms in the coming months as it weighs the potential benefits and risks of such partnerships.

The takeaway

MLB's consideration of partnerships with prediction market companies highlights the evolving landscape of sports betting and the challenges leagues face in balancing innovation, integrity, and regulation. As more sports organizations explore these emerging markets, the debate over the role of prediction markets in professional sports will likely continue.