Giannis Antetokounmpo invests in prediction market platform Kalshi

The NBA star's partnership with the CFTC-regulated company raises concerns about athlete involvement in sports-related trading.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Less than two hours after the NBA trade deadline, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo announced he was joining the prediction market platform Kalshi as a shareholder. Kalshi is a CFTC-regulated exchange that allows users to trade on the outcomes of future events, including sports. Antetokounmpo's investment marks the first time an NBA player has directly invested in the company, though golfer Bryson DeChambeau and the NHL have also partnered with Kalshi. The move has raised concerns about the ethics and legality of athletes participating in markets that could be influenced by their insider knowledge.

Why it matters

Kalshi's prediction market model operates in a legal gray area, as it is governed by federal CFTC regulations rather than individual state gambling laws. This allows the platform to offer trading on sports outcomes, which is not currently legal in Wisconsin where Antetokounmpo's Bucks play. The partnership also raises questions about potential conflicts of interest and insider trading, as Antetokounmpo could have access to non-public information that could influence the markets.

The details

Kalshi allows users to trade 'yes' or 'no' contracts on a variety of future events, from inflation rates to political outcomes. While the company classifies itself as a trading platform rather than a gambling operation, it has faced scrutiny and legal challenges in some states. Antetokounmpo is barred from trading on NBA-related markets, but his involvement as a shareholder and brand ambassador could still raise ethical concerns. The NBA has not commented on the appropriateness of a player holding an ownership stake in a prediction market.

  • On February 10, 2026, less than two hours after the NBA trade deadline, Giannis Antetokounmpo announced his investment in Kalshi.
  • In January 2026, golfer Bryson DeChambeau reached a deal as an endorser for Kalshi.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Milwaukee Bucks star and two-time NBA MVP who has become an investor and shareholder in the prediction market platform Kalshi.

Kalshi

A CFTC-regulated prediction market platform that allows users to trade on the outcomes of future events, including sports.

Bryson DeChambeau

A professional golfer who reached a deal as an endorser for Kalshi in January 2026.

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What they’re saying

“The internet is full of opinions. I decided it was time to make some of my own. Today, I'm joining Kalshi as a shareholder. We all on Kalshi now.”

— Giannis Antetokounmpo (jsonline.com)

What’s next

The NBA has not yet responded to requests for comment on the appropriateness of Antetokounmpo's investment in Kalshi, and it remains to be seen if the league will take any action regarding the partnership.

The takeaway

Giannis Antetokounmpo's investment in the prediction market platform Kalshi highlights the growing popularity of these types of trading platforms, but also raises concerns about the ethics and legality of athlete involvement in markets that could be influenced by insider knowledge or information.