The National Hockey League (NHL) has forged multi-year US focused partnerships with prediction platforms Kalshi and Polymarket, designating both as official prediction market partners. Announced recently, this marks the first such collaboration between a major American professional sports league and these innovative firms, signaling a new frontier in fan interaction beyond traditional wagering.
Under the agreements, Kalshi and Polymarket gain access to the NHL’s data feeds, enabling real-time event contracts on outcomes like game winners, totals, and futures markets—such as Stanley Cup contenders.
They can now integrate league trademarks, including team logos, the “NHL” moniker, and event designations like the Winter Classic, into their apps and marketing.
Brokers affiliated with the platforms will also leverage these assets to promote NHL-themed products. Enhanced visibility comes via digital dashboards and virtual blue-line ads during regular-season broadcasts, playoffs, and marquee events.
NHL Business President Keith Wachtel hailed the move as a “tremendous opportunity” for expansive fan involvement, noting prediction markets’ ascent in sports engagement.
Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan said that they’re channeling hockey’s high-octane vibe into their ecosystem, “fostering deeper connections for fans.”
Kalshi’s leadership called it a “milestone” for the sector, underscoring its role in redefining accessible, nationwide trading.
These deals arrive as Kalshi and Polymarket navigate steady growth. Kalshi recently secured over $300 million in funding at a $5 billion valuation, while Polymarket eyes an $8-10 billion infusion from Intercontinental Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange‘s parent.
Both operate under Commodity Futures Trading Commission oversight, allowing event contracts in all 50 states—sidestepping state-by-state restrictions that hobble rivals like DraftKings.
Prediction volumes have surged, with Polymarket’s new markets poised for monthly records and Kalshi‘s daily activity surging.
The NHL pact intensifies pressure on legacy sportsbooks, which command the bulk of U.S. handle but face legitimacy challenges from these agile newcomers.
Hockey focused wagering, though niche at 2-3% of total volume, offers platforms a foothold in a $150 billion industry.
Yet, hurdles persist: earlier this year, the NFL rebuked Kalshi and Polymarket for unauthorized use of its branding in ads, demanding compliance with data sourcing via Genius Sports, proper integrity safeguards against match-fixing, and enhanced responsible gaming protocols.
Executives have hinted at ongoing dialogues with other leagues, building on Kalshi’s prior tie-up with the emerging Pro Padel League for fan-driven markets.
Industry observers speculate the NFL, MLB, or NBA could follow, drawn by prediction tools’ appeal to tech-forward audiences.
At a recent SEC-CFTC roundtable, Kalshi and Polymarket representatives sidestepped sports specifics but underscored regulatory alignment’s potential to unlock value.
As Donald Trump Jr.—an advisor to both—hinted on X, reforms could soon enable seamless access in restrictive states like Alabama.
This NHL-focused update appears to be a bet on prediction markets reshaping how fans invest in the anticipation of victory. With valuations soaring and partnerships being announced every month, traditional players must adapt to remain relevant.