Major League Baseball Signs Exclusive Prediction Market Deal With Polymarket

TLDR

• Major League Baseball named Polymarket its exclusive official prediction market partner
• Polymarket gets exclusive access to MLB logos, official data, and brand exposure at league events
• MLB and the CFTC signed a memorandum of understanding to share information on prediction market integrity
• The deal follows criminal charges against two Cleveland Guardians pitchers for fixing pitches
• MLB joins MLS, NHL, and UFC in partnering with prediction market platforms

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Major League Baseball announced Thursday it has named Polymarket its official prediction market partner, giving the platform exclusive rights to MLB logos, official data, and brand exposure at league events.

The deal is a multiyear agreement, first reported by Front Office Sports. It is the latest in a growing number of partnerships between major sports leagues and prediction market platforms.

Alongside the Polymarket deal, MLB also signed a memorandum of understanding with Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chair Michael Selig. The MOU establishes a shared intent to exchange information about prediction market integrity and professional baseball.

The agreement is not legally binding, but it is the first of its kind between a federal agency and a professional sports league.

Why Integrity Rules Are Part of the Deal

The timing of this announcement is directly tied to events from late last year. In November, two Cleveland Guardians pitchers were indicted on charges that they took bribes from sports bettors to fix individual pitches during MLB games.

Those charges put baseball’s relationship with gambling under a spotlight. MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred addressed it directly in his statement.

As part of the deal, Polymarket and MLB agreed to restrict markets that could pose an integrity risk. That includes markets on individual pitches, manager decisions, and umpire performance.

While Polymarket holds exclusive rights under the deal, MLB said it will keep relationships with other prediction market exchanges that offer baseball contracts.

Prediction Markets Under Legal Pressure

Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan said the deal is about bringing fans closer to the game while working with regulators to protect its integrity.

The announcement comes as prediction markets face pressure from state regulators. This week, Arizona’s attorney general filed criminal charges against Kalshi, another prediction market platform, alleging it was operating an illegal gambling business in the state.

The CFTC’s coordination with MLB is seen as a signal that the federal regulator supports prediction markets tied to sporting events, even as state gambling regulators argue they should be treated as sports betting.

MLB’s deal with Polymarket follows similar partnerships by the National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, and the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Polymarket also has a data sharing partnership with Dow Jones, the publisher of Barron’s.

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