Polymarket Signs Exclusive Deal with MLS for Prediction Market Partnership

TLDR

• Polymarket becomes exclusive prediction market partner for MLS events.
• New features include second-screen engagement during live MLS matches.
• Polymarket to provide real-time collective sentiment for MLS games.
• MLS partnership part of broader trend of sports licensing deals for prediction platforms

Polymarket has secured an exclusive, multi-year licensing agreement with Major League Soccer (MLS), marking a significant milestone for the on-chain predictions market. As the sole partner for prediction markets related to MLS events, Polymarket will provide fans with opportunities to engage in real-time predictions on key matches, including the MLS Cup, All-Star Game, and various conference championships.

This partnership is part of Polymarket’s broader strategy to build closer ties with major sports organizations. With this deal, the company aims to offer new interactive features and increase fan engagement during live MLS matches. Fans will be able to participate in predictions, providing a more immersive experience through second-screen technologies.

Expanding Fan Engagement Through Innovation

Polymarket’s deal with MLS will introduce innovative fan engagement tools, such as second-screen experiences, which allow fans to interact with ongoing matches in real time. According to Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan, this partnership will provide MLS fans with new ways to engage with the game while gathering insights into collective sentiment during key moments of the season.

Fans will be able to make predictions on various events, which will reflect public sentiment. This feature, Coplan notes, offers a data-driven way to engage with soccer, allowing viewers to get a sense of what the community thinks about certain outcomes. The predictions will be based on aggregate user wagers, creating a more accurate prediction market.

Growth of the Prediction Market Industry

The partnership with MLS is not an isolated event. It is part of a growing trend where companies like Polymarket and Kalshi are forming licensing agreements with sports leagues, media outlets, and search engines.

These deals aim to harness the power of prediction markets to provide more interactive content for sports fans. Kalshi, for example, has entered similar deals with other leagues, including the National Hockey League (NHL), while Polymarket also has agreements with the UFC and the New York Rangers.

Polymarket’s collaboration with MLS comes at a time when Kalshi has seen an increase in trading volume. This shift is largely attributed to Kalshi’s partnership with Robinhood, a platform that has significantly expanded its user base. Despite this, Polymarket’s exclusive agreement with MLS could enhance its position in the sports prediction market by attracting a larger fan base.

Regulatory Challenges and State Resistance

While the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has granted approval for prediction markets to operate across the United States, certain states are pushing back against sports betting on these platforms. States like Massachusetts, Ohio, and Tennessee have challenged sports contracts, arguing that these prediction markets resemble unlicensed betting.

This regulatory environment could impact the growth of prediction platforms in certain regions. However, Polymarket’s exclusive agreement with MLS signals confidence in overcoming these obstacles. The partnership is expected to continue despite these ongoing regulatory concerns, as both companies work to align their operations with local laws.

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