Polymarket and TKO Group to Launch Blockchain-Based Prediction Markets During UFC Broadcasts

Key Moments:

  • Polymarket has entered a multi-year collaboration with TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of UFC and Zuffa Boxing.
  • A live, on-screen prediction scoreboard will display real-time global fan expectations during UFC matches.
  • The integration of prediction markets into UFC and Zuffa Boxing events is set to commence in 2026 on Paramount+ in the United States.

Groundbreaking Partnership Unites Sports and Blockchain Prediction Markets

Polymarket is extending its reach into mainstream sports following the announcement of a multi-year partnership with TKO Group Holdings, which oversees the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and soon-to-launch Zuffa Boxing. This alliance aims to blend blockchain-backed prediction markets with live combat sports, representing one of the most ambitious integrations in the industry.

Interactive Real-Time Scoreboards for Fans

As part of this collaboration, UFC broadcasts will soon incorporate a live, on-screen prediction scoreboard. This innovative feature will offer viewers global, real-time insight into shifting fan predictions for each fight. Designed to complement rather than replace regulated sports betting, the scoreboard will serve as an added layer of information alongside traditional commentary, providing updated probabilities and momentum shifts as each bout unfolds.

According to TKO’s executive chairman and chief executive, Ariel Emanuel, the objective is to “push fan participation into a new era”, by turning spectators into active contributors. The scoreboard will update live as users buy and sell positions on Polymarket, giving a continual view of global sentiment.

Enhanced Social Content and New Market Opportunities

Plans between the two companies extend beyond scoreboards, with the intent to develop interactive social content that spotlights potential matchups for major UFC fighters. These new segments will feed directly into prediction markets on Polymarket’s platform, allowing further engagement and trading opportunities for fans.

Polymarket’s Prediction Markets: A Distinction from Traditional Sportsbooks

Shayne Coplurn, chief executive of Polymarket, highlighted the unique behaviors introduced by prediction markets during sports events. Operating like mini stock markets, users purchase and trade “yes/no” outcome contracts as the action progresses, with pricing adjusting instantly to developments like knockdowns or momentum changes.

Unlike sportsbooks such as DraftKings and FanDuel, prediction markets including Polymarket and Kalshi are permitted to operate in various U.S. states where conventional sports betting remains illegal, such as California and Texas. This capability has driven their relevance in political and global event forecasting and has fueled Polymarket’s expansion into live sports and entertainment.

The company recently resumed its U.S. market operations after receiving a regulatory “no-action” letter, granting it authority to continue within specific parameters without immediate enforcement. Some industry analysts suggest this may be a pivotal moment for Web3 companies looking for regulatory clarity in financial prediction services.

Looking Ahead: 2026 Launch on Paramount+ and Broad Implications

This partnership builds upon Polymarket’s previous sports initiatives, including its work with the NHL and PrizePicks. For TKO Group, the endeavor supports its goal to offer more interactive and data-centric experiences in combat sports. Emanuel stated that the strategy will “unlock a new dimension of fan engagement,” incorporating prediction markets directly into UFC and Zuffa Boxing broadcasts to enhance interactivity for viewers.

Beginning in 2026, UFC and Zuffa Boxing events in the United States will be exclusively streamed on Paramount+ with these predictive features fully integrated. The agreement points to a future where blockchain technologies, live data, and fan participation play pivotal roles in sports entertainment broadcasts.

PartnerFocus AreaKey FeatureStart YearDistribution Platform
Polymarket & TKO Group Holdings (UFC, Zuffa Boxing)Combat Sports & Prediction MarketsReal-time prediction scoreboard, interactive content2026Paramount+
  • Author

Daniel Williams

Daniel Williams has started his writing career as a freelance author at a local paper media. After working there for a couple of years and writing on various topics, he found his interest for the gambling industry.
Daniel Williams
Casino Guardian covers the latest news and events in the casino industry. Here you can also find extensive guides for roulette, slots, blackjack, video poker, and all live casino games as well as reviews of the most trusted UK online casinos and their mobile casino apps.

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