Key Moments:
- The NHL has finalized licensing deals with Kalshi and Polymarket, marking the first agreement of its kind between a major North American sports league and prediction markets.
- Both platforms have secured rights to use NHL data and branding, and will feature their logos during high-profile NHL broadcasts such as the Winter Classic and Stanley Cup playoffs.
- The move occurs as prediction markets face regulatory scrutiny, yet signals growing institutional confidence in their potential.
Groundbreaking Partnership Announced
On October 22, the National Hockey League (NHL) revealed its entry into novel licensing agreements with Kalshi and Polymarket, establishing itself as the first major North American sports league to officially collaborate with prediction market platforms.
According to these agreements, both Kalshi and Polymarket are set to access exclusive NHL data and utilize official league logos and branding across their respective offerings. This development differentiates the NHL from other leagues, many of which have previously chosen to align themselves with traditional sports betting operators instead of prediction markets.
Keith Wachtel, president of NHL Business, commented: “As prediction markets continue to evolve at a rapid pace, partnering with the two market leaders, Kalshi and Polymarket, provides a tremendous opportunity for the broadest fan engagement during the NHL season. Polymarket and Kalshi are ideal partners as this category continues to grow and expand.”
🏒 NHL x Kalshi x Polymarket just changed the game
For the first time, a major U.S. league is partnering with prediction markets, letting fans trade outcomes instead of just betting.
This move will:
– Unlock mainstream legitimacy for on-chain event markets 🧠
– Blur the line… pic.twitter.com/Gax4CuE0v9— GandalfCrypto (@gandalfcryptto) October 23, 2025
Expanded Brand Presence for Partners
Both Kalshi and Polymarket will benefit from increased visibility, with their branding being integrated into Digitally Enhanced Dashboards and blue line slot virtual signage during numerous NHL game broadcasts. These will be part of major on-air events, including the NHL Winter Classic, the NHL Stadium Series, and the Stanley Cup playoffs.
The agreements also grant brokers and merchants affiliated with Kalshi and Polymarket permission to utilize NHL logos and trademarks to distinguish their product offerings.
Shayne Coplan, Polymarket founder and CEO, stated: “The NHL has always been about giving fans an incredible experience. We’re excited to bring that energy to Polymarket, where fans can engage with the NHL and its teams in a new way.
“Together, we’re making the game more interactive and connected, and we appreciate the support of the NHL in recognising the future of fan experiences benefits from engagement with prediction markets.”
A Transformational Moment Amid Industry Scrutiny
Prediction markets like Kalshi have gained heightened attention within the sports industry since late last year, navigating both rapid growth and regulatory hurdles, including cease-and-desist demands in more than six states and closing a $300 million funding round.
This partnership arrives at a time of contention between prediction market operators, major sports leagues, regulators, and sports betting companies. Despite these challenges, the entry of the NHL as a partner reflects lasting belief in the potential of prediction markets among various industry stakeholders.
Traditional sportsbook operators have not stood idle, with DraftKings announcing the acquisition of Railbird Exchange earlier in the week, and Flutter forging a partnership with CME Group. The near future is poised to bring clarity as legal cases involving Kalshi progress and other leagues weigh the prospect of joining the prediction market sector.
Tarek Mansour, Kalshi CEO, remarked, “Teaming up with the NHL is an important milestone for Kalshi and the industry at large. To have a league like the NHL embrace Kalshi is a testament to the integrity, safety, and trust with consumers that Kalshi has spent years building during our time pioneering this asset class. It should be clear now – prediction markets are here to stay.”
Summary of Key Partnership Details
Partner | Rights Granted | Brand Exposure Elements |
---|---|---|
Kalshi | Access to NHL data; use of official logos and branding | Digitally Enhanced Dashboards, blue line slot virtual signage during games |
Polymarket | Access to NHL data; use of official logos and branding | Digitally Enhanced Dashboards, blue line slot virtual signage during games |
- Author
Daniel Williams
