Major League Baseball (MLB) has entered a landmark, multi-year partnership with prediction market platform Polymarket, naming it the league's exclusive official prediction market partner. The deal, first reported by Front Office Sports, grants Polymarket exclusive rights to MLB logos, official data, and brand exposure at league events.
In a parallel and unprecedented move, MLB also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and its Chair, Michael Selig. This marks the first information-sharing agreement between a U.S. federal derivatives regulator and a professional sports league. The non-binding MOU establishes a framework for the CFTC and MLB to exchange information to protect the integrity and resilience of prediction markets relating to professional baseball, aiming to strengthen user protection against fraud and manipulation.
The timing of these announcements is closely tied to integrity concerns within the sport. In November 2025, two Cleveland Guardians pitchers were indicted on charges of taking bribes to fix individual pitches during MLB games. Commissioner Robert Manfred emphasized that "protecting the integrity of the game on the field is our top priority." As part of the Polymarket deal, the parties agreed to restrict markets that could pose an integrity risk, including those on individual pitches, manager decisions, and umpire performance.
This agreement occurs amidst a significant regulatory clash. Prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi face pressure from state regulators who argue they constitute illegal gambling. Arizona's attorney general recently filed criminal charges against Kalshi, which the platform called "meritless." CFTC Chair Selig deemed Arizona's actions "entirely inappropriate," and Commissioner Manfred publicly backed the CFTC's federal oversight, noting it simplifies league operations compared to a fragmented state-by-state model.
MLB follows other major sports organizations, including the National Hockey League (NHL), Major League Soccer (MLS), and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), in partnering with prediction market platforms.
