NFL Asks Prediction Markets to Restrict 'Easily Manipulated' Bets

League raises concerns about event contracts that could be determined in advance, CFTC says it will defer to NFL's calls on manipulation risks.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:19pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-perspective view of a football game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape representing the complex dynamics of the sport and the challenges of regulating emerging financial platforms.The NFL's efforts to restrict 'easily manipulated' bets on prediction markets reflect the league's ongoing battle to protect the integrity of the sport.Today in Detroit

The National Football League (NFL) has sent letters to prediction market platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket, asking them to block certain types of event contracts that the league says can be easily manipulated, such as those related to announcer comments, player signings, coach firings, and in-game injuries. The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has indicated it will defer to the NFL's concerns about potential manipulation, signaling a shift toward giving leagues more control over the types of bets offered on their events.

Why it matters

This move by the NFL highlights the league's growing concerns about the potential for manipulation of certain types of bets on prediction markets, which could undermine the integrity of the sport. The CFTC's deference to the league's requests also signals a shift in how US regulators are approaching the oversight of these emerging financial platforms.

The details

According to the report, the NFL sent letters to Kalshi, Polymarket, and other prediction market platforms, objecting to certain types of event contracts that could be easily manipulated by a single person, such as announcer comments, player signings, coach firings, and in-game injuries. The league's executive vice president, Jeff Miller, reportedly said the letters followed talks with the CFTC.

  • On March 30, 2026, the NFL sent letters to prediction market platforms objecting to certain types of event contracts.
  • On the same day, CFTC Chair Michael Selig indicated the agency would defer to the NFL's concerns about potential manipulation of these types of bets.

The players

National Football League (NFL)

The professional American football league that oversees the sport in the United States.

Kalshi

A prediction market platform that offers contracts on a variety of events.

Polymarket

Another prediction market platform that offers contracts on a variety of events.

Michael Selig

The Chair of the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

Jeff Miller

The executive vice president of the National Football League.

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What they’re saying

“'When a league raises manipulation concerns about a contract proposed to be listed on a prediction market, the agency considers the league's concerns and may prohibit the contract from being listed.'”

— Michael Selig, CFTC Chair

What’s next

The CFTC is expected to continue working closely with the NFL and other major sports leagues to address concerns about potential manipulation of prediction market contracts related to their events.

The takeaway

This move by the NFL and the CFTC's deference to the league's concerns highlights the ongoing challenges in regulating emerging financial platforms like prediction markets, where the potential for manipulation of event-based contracts poses risks to the integrity of professional sports. As these platforms continue to grow, it will be important for regulators and leagues to collaborate on developing appropriate oversight and safeguards.