CNN Partners With Kalshi to Expand Real-Time Forecasting

• CNN adopts Kalshi’s real-time probability data to boost election and policy reporting.
• Prediction markets gain traction as media platforms integrate event-driven feeds.
• Kalshi expands with major funding, new blockchain tools, and an improved regulatory outlook.

CNN moved to strengthen its data reporting on Tuesday in the United States when it reached a deal with Kalshi to bring real-time prediction market probabilities into its programming and newsroom systems. 

The partnership involved Kalshi’s political, cultural, and economic forecasting feeds, which CNN said would support clearer reporting on shifting expectations. This follows a period of fast growth for Kalshi and rising interest in market-based forecasting across the media sector.

Kalshi and CNN’s Reporting Workflow

The agreement gave CNN direct access to Kalshi’s live probabilities, which now feed into segments that examine elections, policy shifts, and cultural events. Harry Enten, CNN’s chief data analyst, will lead the integration as he continues comparing polling trends with other real-time indicators. His role includes using Kalshi’s odds as an added data point when assessing political movements or public sentiment.

CNN also plans to introduce a Kalshi-powered ticker during segments that use prediction market data. The ticker will display live changes in expectations as traders react to new developments. This feature aims to give viewers a clearer sense of how event probabilities change during fast-moving news cycles.

The newsroom and production teams will also use Kalshi’s full data catalogue. This access helps graphics teams build updated visuals and helps editors track rising or falling expectations tied to national political events. The integration links to wider newsroom efforts to strengthen real-time context in reporting.

Prediction Market Growth 

Interest in prediction markets has risen this year, which provides key context for CNN’s decision. Kalshi operates as the largest federally regulated exchange in this category and records trading activity on elections, economic indicators, cultural events, and weather outcomes. As per Kalshi, reporters and analysts have used these markets to compare traditional polling with market-driven probability signals. 

Polymarket, a rival exchange, has also expanded its presence. Its CEO, Shayne Coplan, recently told CBS News’ 60 Minutes that prediction markets are “the most accurate thing we have as mankind” for assessing future events. However, the industry continues to face criticism. 

Kalshi was hit with a nationwide class-action lawsuit that accused the company of operating an unlicensed sports betting service. The case added to ongoing debates about market-based forecasting and its regulatory limits.

Despite these concerns, prediction markets have gained traction among financial platforms. Google Finance, Yahoo Finance, Robinhood, and Intercontinental Exchange partnered with event-driven data providers this year. Their involvement shows how widely these markets now influence mainstream financial reporting.

Related: Kalshi Launches Tokenized Prediction Contracts on Solana

Funding Momentum and New Tools at Kalshi

CNN’s announcement comes after Kalshi revealed a $1 billion Series E round that raised its valuation to $11 billion. Paradigm led the round with support from existing investors. Kalshi said the funding will help expand its market catalogue and speed up the development of blockchain tools.

The company now supports SEI for faster trading using USDC. It also plans to introduce tokenized markets on Solana, which expands access for users who prefer mobile wallets or blockchain-based participation. Kalshi recorded more than 127,000 active markets this year and reached $580 million in trading volume.

Wallet-native trading is also growing. Trust Wallet started launching on-chain prediction tools through Myriad Markets, with Kalshi integrations scheduled for early 2026. Meanwhile, regulatory developments in Nevada and New Jersey eased restrictions on Kalshi’s election markets. 

A Nevada court lifted an injunction on December 2, clearing the way for continued operations. With the regulatory outlook stabilizing and CNN stepping in as a new distribution partner, Kalshi’s data will now reach a wider national audience.

Meanwhile, CNN’s adoption of Kalshi strengthens its real-time reporting across political and cultural coverage. The agreement connects newsroom teams with fast-moving probability signals that supplement existing tools. The move also arrives as Kalshi expands its markets, funding, and regulatory wins, positioning its data for broader use in mainstream news.