NHL Partners with Polymarket in First Blockchain Prediction Market Deal

TLDR

• NHL signs with Polymarket in the first U.S. league deal with a blockchain-based prediction market.
• Polymarket users can trade NHL outcomes with no fees, no limits, and verified data.
• The platform is CFTC-regulated and valued at up to $15 billion with ICE backing.
• AGA raises legality concerns as Polymarket operates nationwide with an 18+ age policy.

In a move that surprised both sports and crypto communities, the National Hockey League (NHL) has announced a multi-year partnership with Polymarket, naming it the league’s Official Prediction Market Partner. This is the first time a major U.S. sports league has teamed up with a blockchain-based prediction platform, signaling a shift in how fans interact with professional sports.

NHL Signs First-of-its-Kind Deal With Polymarket

On October 22, 2025, Polymarket confirmed the agreement in a public release at 14:43 UTC. The platform stated that users would be able to trade predictions on NHL outcomes with no fees, no house, and no trading limits.

The deal allows Polymarket to use official NHL branding, including logos and proprietary data. CNBC earlier reported that this was made possible through a combined licensing deal with Polymarket and Kalshi, giving both platforms access to NHL’s intellectual property. The NHL aims to drive deeper engagement by allowing fans to trade real-time predictions during games using verified data streams.

Keith Wachtel, NHL’s Chief Business Officer, commented, “This partnership brings fans closer to the action while ensuring transparency and compliance, just like FanDuel or DraftKings.”

Polymarket’s Market Entry and Regulatory Framework

Polymarket re-entered the U.S. market earlier in 2025 after aligning with Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) requirements. This allows it to operate under a nationwide legal framework. Unlike traditional sportsbooks, Polymarket does not act as a house, instead providing a decentralized platform for peer-to-peer trading.

The platform’s valuation has grown rapidly, now estimated between $12 billion and $15 billion. This is largely supported by a $2 billion investment from Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange. The funding has helped strengthen the platform’s infrastructure and compliance capabilities.

However, the American Gaming Association (AGA) has raised concerns. The group claims that Polymarket’s 18+ age policy may not meet certain state gambling laws. While the platform operates under federal regulation via the CFTC, state regulators may still examine its legality.

Reaction From Fans, Traders, and Industry Players

The announcement sparked widespread activity online. Within 48 hours, more than 100,000 conversations were tracked across social media platforms. According to independent analytics firms, about 94% of the public sentiment was positive. Many users welcomed the entry of blockchain-based systems into mainstream sports partnerships.

Polymarket’s model allows trading on various aspects of the game, including player stats, match outcomes, and season-wide trends. All trades are conducted on-chain, using smart contracts and verified public data, making the process transparent and decentralized.

Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour called the licensing move a “seminal moment in prediction markets” in a December statement. Leaders from both Polymarket and Kalshi say that this partnership is likely to drive more user participation across sports and financial prediction markets.

Industry Outlook and Future Prospects

The deal aligns with a growing trend in sports following the 2018 legalization of sports betting in the United States. Since then, leagues have sought new ways to increase fan involvement beyond traditional betting and fantasy sports. This partnership marks the first time an American sports league has formally supported blockchain-powered prediction platforms.

NHL executives believe this model could draw more viewers, particularly during high-stakes moments like the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Polymarket expects higher trading volumes and broader adoption as more leagues consider similar agreements.

While regulatory concerns remain at the state level, the deal may push discussions around whether decentralized prediction platforms fall under gambling or financial trading. The outcome could influence future regulations for blockchain platforms in the U.S. sports and betting landscape.

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