What is the new agreement between the CFTC and the NHL?

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Hockey League to monitor sports-related prediction markets. The deal focuses on preventing insider trading, fraud and market manipulation tied to NHL event contracts.

Why is the CFTC working with the NHL on prediction markets?

The CFTC says prediction markets tied to sports events are growing rapidly on platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket. By partnering with the NHL, regulators can share information and detect suspicious trading activity more quickly.

What are sports prediction markets?

Sports prediction markets allow users to trade contracts tied to the outcomes of games, tournaments or player performances. Instead of traditional betting, users buy and sell positions based on the probability of an event happening.

How does this affect Polymarket and Kalshi?

The agreement increases regulatory scrutiny around sports event contracts listed on these platforms. While it could improve legitimacy and transparency, it may also lead to tighter compliance requirements and more oversight from regulators.

Why is the CFTC fighting US states over prediction markets?

The CFTC argues it has exclusive federal authority over regulated prediction markets and derivatives products. Several US states including Ohio, Illinois, Connecticut, New York and Minnesota have tried restricting or banning certain prediction market platforms.

What did CFTC Chair Michael Selig say about the deal?

Michael Selig said the agreement is intended to protect users from insider trading, fraud and abuse in prediction markets. He has repeatedly argued the CFTC should remain the primary regulator overseeing these platforms.

Why does the NHL care about prediction market integrity?

Prediction markets tied to hockey games could create risks involving insider information or attempts to influence outcomes. The NHL wants to ensure trading activity does not damage trust in the league or the fairness of its competitions.

How is this different from traditional sports betting?

Prediction markets operate more like financial trading platforms where contracts fluctuate in value based on probabilities. Regulators often treat them differently from sportsbooks because they resemble derivatives or commodities markets.

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CFTC signs NHL prediction markets agreement

Written by Liezl GambePublished May 22, 2026, 12:04 AM

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Hockey League to oversee sports-related prediction markets and combat insider trading and fraud.

CFTC Chair Michael Selig said the agreement was intended to protect users of prediction market platforms including Kalshi and Polymarket as the regulator continues asserting exclusive authority over the sector.

The agreement allows the CFTC and NHL to share information and coordinate efforts to maintain the integrity of professional hockey and event contracts tied to NHL games and outcomes.

The regulator signed a similar arrangement with Major League Baseball in March, when MLB simultaneously named Polymarket as its official prediction market exchange partner.

Prediction market platforms currently list contracts tied to the Stanley Cup playoffs, which began in April, while the NHL’s next regular season is expected to start in September.

Under Selig’s leadership, the CFTC has increasingly challenged state-level attempts to restrict prediction markets, filing lawsuits against authorities in Ohio, Connecticut, Illinois, New York and Minnesota over platform oversight and bans.

Meanwhile, Polymarket filed a product self-certification letter with the CFTC seeking approval to offer combinatorial outcome contracts that would allow users to combine multiple event outcomes into single market positions.