If the NFL is leaving money on the table, the source of that money probably deserves extra scrutiny. Which is why it's so fascinating to see other major North American sports league jump into partnerships with the same prediction market companies the NFL is asking the Supreme Court to look into.
Companies like Polymarket, which pays LeBron James more than the NBA team he plays for. Companies like Kalshi, which Giannis Antetokounmpo has an equity stake in. Despite lawsuit after lawsuit about the legality of prediction markets in states that require licensing for sports gambling, these companies have been adopted as legitimate businesses by almost every top league... except the NFL.
Saquon Barkley recently told Front Office Sports the league made
him divest his equity stake in Polymarket.
While it's true the NFL has a longstanding rule against players endorsing or owning equity in any sports betting company, that doesn't explain why the league itself hasn't accepted a partnership in the fast-growing prediction market industry.... or maybe it does.
That the NFL even categorizes prediction markets as sports betting actually gets to the root of the league's hesitation. The NFL understands the integrity risks that come with sports gambling and wants to be sure the federal body overseeing prediction markets, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), is equally equipped to protect against those risks as the state regulators that oversee sportsbooks.
"Billions of dollars will be bet on NFL games through prediction markets each season, and any delay from the Court will result in increasing consumer harm and risk to game integrity," the NFL wrote in an amicus brief earlier this month, supporting the state of New Jersey's request for a Supreme Court review on whether prediction markets' sports event contracts fall under the oversight of state regulators.
If the NFL doesn't yet feel comfortable these markets can be properly regulated, you know who else shouldn't feel comfortable? The NBA -- which announced partnerships with Kalshi and Polymarket earlier this week -- the NHL, MLB and every other league that has already jumped into partnerships.
Look, I'm not pretending the NFL has some moral superiority in this space. I understand the league's hesitancy is likely because it has more to lose than the others. The second the NFL feels comfortable the proper regulations are in place, it'll Scrooge dive into a pile of gold too.
But that's the thing, as the biggest cash cow in the American sports gambling industry, the NFL also has much more to gain. In its brief, the league said more than half of all prediction market trading volume on the first Sunday of the season were related to the NFL. The fact it's still waiting to eat its piece of that pie should probably make every other league question the ingredients a little more.
Brewers win World Series
🍻 Scenes from the Brewers' champagne-soaked World Series celebration
🍻 Fox's Bob Uecker tribute after the Brewers' win was perfect
🍻 Christian Yelich dedicated Milwaukee's first title to the late announcer
🍻 Williams Contreras' brother celebrating the Brewers' win is everything
🍻 Mics caught Brewers manager Pat Murphy clowning the Yankees post-championship
🍻 Front Row Amy was elated by the Brewers' World Series win
Quick hits: NFL trades ... NBA injuries ... and more
- Trade alert! Jeffery Simmons is headed to the Bears. FTW has grades for Chicago and Tennessee in the huge deal.
- Also potentially on the move is Josh Downs, who reportedly requested a trade from the Colts. Jeff Smith has five ideal destinations for the wide receiver.
- An absurd number of NBA players have landed on injury reports just one week into the season.
- Ernie Johnson is stepping away from Inside The NBA after a banner run, and the crew gave him a moving tribute after the news. Also, FTW has ideas for his potential replacement.
This was For The Win’s daily newsletter, The Morning Win. Did a friend recommend or forward this to you? If so, subscribe here.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: The NFL's cautious approach to prediction markets seems telling
Advertiser disclosure: USA TODAY may earn a commission when you sign up through links on this page. Commissions never influence our editorial coverage or rankings. Offers and odds were accurate at publication and are subject to change; terms apply — see the operator’s site. This is general information, not betting, legal or financial advice. To the fullest extent permitted by law, USA TODAY is not liable for losses arising from your use of it.
Must be 21+ (18+ where permitted). Sports betting and casino gaming are not legal everywhere; complying with the laws where you are located is your responsibility. Gamble only with funds you can afford to lose. Gambling problem? Help is available 24/7 — call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET. State helplines and responsible gaming resources.
