Poker Writer
The National Hockey League (NHL) has announced a new agreement with Polymarket and Kalshi, making it the first U.S. professional sports league to partner with prediction markets. Such deals have become commonplace between leagues and sportsbook operators, but a union with prediction markets breaks new ground.
The two prediction markets can now use NHL logos and designations on their platforms and products. They also now have access to official NHL proprietary data. Official terms like “the Stanley Cup” can now be used by both Kalshi and Polymarket.
Keith Wachtel, president of NHL business, released a statement on the partnerships:
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.
Prediction markets have made inroads into the sports world in 2025, with Kalshi adopting football prediction markets, which led to record volume.
The officially partnership with the NHL, along with the addition of sports parlays last month, signal an even further commitment to sports prediction markets. Some believe prediction markets are the future of sports betting, while others, including the sportsbook operators, insist their market share is relatively safe.
For its part, the American Gaming Association, which advocates for the sportsbooks, has decried the new partnerships.
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State Regulators Remain At Odds With Prediction Markets
These deals came to fruition despite all the clear frostiness of state regulators when it comes to prediction markets.
The partnerships may be as much about optics as they are about Polymarket and Kalshi getting concrete ROIs. Gaining more public legitimacy may help them sway public opinion in their favor during the coming court and public relations battles.
Some feel as though other leagues will follow suit as confidence in the prediction markets grows:
So, here we go. The NHL did it, and the other leagues will be sure to follow. Money is money. This does, however, fly a middle finger in the face of all state regulators. There is no mistaking it: Kalshi thinks they have this thing won, and they’re not the only ones.
This move from the NHL is also in direct competition with traditional sports betting companies like DraftKings. But those traditional companies like DraftKings and FanDuel are positioning themselves to enter the prediction market landscape as well.
American Gaming Association Opposition
The AGA continues to push back against the notion that prediction markets operate a separate product from sportsbooks. AGA President and CEO Bill Miller released a strongly worded statement voicing concerns, calling the deal “deeply concerning:”
Contrary to the league’s claims, the future of these platforms is far from certain, evidenced by the legal proceedings in multiple states, the views of well over half of the nation’s attorneys general and state regulators determining these platforms illegal.
This move sends a troubling message: that integrity, responsibility and clear legality are optional in sports gaming.
Negreanu Applauds Partnership
Newly signed Kalshi ambassador Daniel Negreanu applauded the partnership on X. The Kalshi connection to hockey is a perfect fit for the poker pro, a noted NHL and Toronto Maple Leafs fan who additionally adopted some love for the Vegas Golden Knights.
Well this is pretty cool, Kalshi on fire!
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— Daniel Negreanu (@RealKidPoker) October 22, 2025
