Polymarket Becomes ‘Exclusive’ Partner of Major League Soccer
- Polymarket has partnered with MLS, signaling prediction markets’ shift into regulated sports.
- MLS will oversee markets, add monitoring, and restrict contracts that pose integrity risks.
- Deal shows prediction markets moving from crypto fringe toward licensed sports ecosystems.
Major League Soccer(MLS) has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Polymarket, marking a major shift for prediction markets. The deal places crypto-based prediction platforms inside licensed sports infrastructure rather than speculative crypto spaces.
The agreement names Polymarket as the exclusive prediction market partner for MLS competitions. These include the MLS season, MLS Cup, MLS All-Star Game, and the Leagues Cup. Polymarket announced the partnership in an X post, confirming its exclusive status with the league. The company said users can trade without a house and without limits on its platform.
The deal reflects a broader change in how prediction markets seek growth and legitimacy. Instead of operating on the edges of crypto, platforms now pursue institutional partnerships and regulatory alignment.
Major League Soccer Chooses Oversight Over Distance
MLS entered prediction markets after a long internal review process. Chris Schlosser, MLS senior vice president of emerging ventures, said discussions began more than a year ago. He said the league held senior-level talks with major prediction market platforms before deciding. The league chose engagement and oversight rather than staying outside the sector.
MLS followed the NHL, which partnered with Polymarket and Kalshi last year. Other major leagues, including the NFL, NBA, and MLB, remain absent from prediction markets. The deal sits between Polymarket and Soccer United Marketing, MLS’s commercial arm. Both Polymarket and Kalshi already offered MLS-related event contracts before the agreement.
MLS officials said integrity concerns drove the decision to partner directly. Schlosser said direct partnerships allow leagues to protect competition and match outcomes. MLS will influence which prediction markets Polymarket can offer. The league already plans to remove markets tied to yellow cards and red cards.
It also raised concerns about markets involving penalty kicks or total shots. Schlosser said single-player control creates integrity risks the league wants to avoid. Third-party firms will monitor compliance and integrity across MLS markets. These firms include IC360 and Sportradar, which already work with sports leagues.
Related: Polymarket Search Interest Hits Record High Amid US Scrutiny
Prediction Markets Move Into Licensed Ecosystems
The agreement gives MLS marketing exclusivity with Polymarket. The two sides will collaborate on digital fan experiences and interactive content. Stadium promotions will include LED signage and branded displays. Digital features will highlight live probabilities and fan sentiment during matches.
The exclusivity applies only at the league level. MLS has not confirmed whether teams can sign separate prediction market deals. Schlosser said MLS may later approve other platforms as authorized prediction markets. These platforms would need to accept integrity rules and monitoring requirements.
MLS has not finalized guidance on player endorsements with prediction platforms. Schlosser said the league continues to review those issues internally. League rules still ban players, coaches, referees, and staff from trading soccer outcomes. The ban applies to prediction markets, sports betting, and fantasy platforms.
