NHL Strikes Pioneering Deals with Crypto Prediction Markets Kalshi and Polymarket

The National Hockey League has entered multi-year licensing agreements with Kalshi and Polymarket, marking the first such partnership between a major North American sports league and cryptocurrency-based prediction platforms. The deals will enable both platforms to offer officially sanctioned NHL-themed markets for wagering on game outcomes and seasonal developments.

Kalshi, recently valued at $5 billion following a $300 million funding round, and Polymarket, which secured a $2 billion investment from Intercontinental Exchange in October, are positioned to leverage the NHL's fanbase. Polymarket recorded its highest-ever trading activity last month, signaling growing mainstream adoption of prediction markets.

The MOVE reflects professional sports' increasing embrace of crypto-native engagement tools. By aligning with regulated prediction markets, the NHL gains access to real-time sentiment data while maintaining control over its intellectual property—a blueprint likely to be emulated by other leagues.