NHL Signs Historic Deal with Polymarket as First Blockchain Prediction Market Partner

In a groundbreaking move, the National Hockey League (NHL) has announced a multi-year partnership with Polymarket, naming it the league's Official Prediction Market Partner. This marks the first time a major U.S. sports league has teamed up with a blockchain-based prediction platform, signaling a shift in fan engagement with professional sports.

The deal was confirmed by Polymarket in a public release on October 22, 2025, at 14:43 UTC. Under the agreement, users can trade predictions on NHL outcomes with no fees, no house, and no trading limits, leveraging official NHL branding, logos, and proprietary data. This was facilitated through a combined licensing arrangement with Polymarket and Kalshi, as reported by CNBC earlier in 2025.

Keith Wachtel, NHL's Chief Business Officer, emphasized the partnership's benefits, stating, "This partnership brings fans closer to the action while ensuring transparency and compliance, just like FanDuel or DraftKings." The NHL aims to drive deeper engagement by enabling real-time trading during games using verified data streams.

Polymarket re-entered the U.S. market in 2025 after aligning with Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) requirements, allowing nationwide operation under a federal regulatory framework. The platform's valuation has surged to an estimated $12 billion to $15 billion, bolstered by a $2 billion investment from Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange.

However, the American Gaming Association (AGA) has raised legality concerns, noting that Polymarket's 18+ age policy may not comply with certain state gambling laws. While federally regulated by the CFTC, state-level scrutiny could impact its operations.

The announcement sparked widespread online activity, with over 100,000 conversations tracked on social media within 48 hours and approximately 94% positive sentiment. Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour hailed the move as a "seminal moment in prediction markets," and industry leaders anticipate increased user participation. This partnership aligns with trends following the 2018 U.S. sports betting legalization, potentially drawing more viewers during events like the Stanley Cup Playoffs and influencing future regulations for decentralized platforms.