The NHL or National Hockey League is venturing into new territory. It is officially collaborating with Kalshi and Polymarket, prediction market platforms. The multi-year deals were revealed recently. They mark the first time a major U.S. professional sports league has partnered with prediction market companies. This signals a pivotal shift in the evolving relationship between sports and speculative markets.
Both Kalshi and Polymarket operate under the supervision of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This allows them to offer event-based trading nationwide. Federal oversight enables the platforms to function in all 50 states, including those where sports betting remains illegal, such as California and Texas. Prediction markets let users trade on the outcomes of various events, unlike sportsbooks like DraftKings or FanDuel. These events range from sports championships to entertainment and political contests. Users buy and sell contracts that pay out based on yes-or-no results.
Under the terms of the agreement, Kalshi and Polymarket gain access to official NHL data and permission to use league trademarks, logos, and official designations on their platforms. The collaborations also extend to the companies’ brokers and merchants, who can display NHL branding on their products.
NHL Business’s president, Keith Wachtel, said that the partnership represents an opportunity to engage fans in innovative ways. According to ESPN, Wachtel explained that prediction markets are evolving rapidly. Partnering with the two market leaders, Kalshi and Polymarket, provides a tremendous opportunity for broad fan engagement during the NHL season. Polymarket and Kalshi are ideal partners as this category continues to grow and expand.
Both prediction markets are set to receive prominent exposure during marquee NHL events. Their branding will appear on Digitally Enhanced Dasherboards and virtual blue line signage during nationally televised games. This includes the Winter Classic, the Stadium Series, and the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The exposure underscores the growing emphasis of NHL on expanding its digital engagement strategy.
