CNN Partners with Kalshi: Betting on Prediction Markets to Revolutionize News Reporting

Mainstream media meets decentralized forecasting—CNN just placed its chips on Kalshi's prediction markets.

The gamble:
Using crowd wisdom (and speculative cash flows) to 'enhance' journalism. Because nothing says 'unbiased reporting' like letting traders wager on outcomes.

Why it matters:
When legacy news orgs borrow crypto-native tactics, it's either adaptation or desperation. Spoiler: Wall Street still won't trust either.

The cynical take:
Nothing hedges against credibility erosion quite like monetizing pure speculation. At least the odds are transparent—unlike most financial 'analysis.'

TLDR

• Kalshi has partnered with CNN to provide real-time prediction market data for enhancing news coverage.
• The integration will help CNN offer insights into key areas such as politics, economy, and cultural events.
• CNN’s chief data analyst, Harry Enten, will oversee the incorporation of Kalshi’s data into programming.
• Kalshi’s prediction market data will complement CNN’s reporting by offering real-time probabilities for future events.
• Kalshi has seen rapid growth, with $4.54 billion in trading activity in November alone.

Kalshi, a prediction market platform, has partnered with CNN as the network’s official partner. This partnership will allow CNN to incorporate Kalshi’s real-time market data into its programming. The deal is expected to provide CNN’s newsroom with valuable insights into key areas such as politics, the economy, and major cultural events.

Kalshi’s prediction market data will complement CNN’s existing reporting, offering audiences real-time probabilities of future events. CNN will use the data to improve its analysis and inform its audience. As part of the collaboration, a new Kalshi-powered ticker will be featured across CNN segments, providing ongoing updates.

CNN’s chief data analyst, Harry Enten, will oversee the integration of Kalshi’s data across the network. This partnership marks a shift towards using market-based insights to enhance news coverage, according to Kalshi’s CEO, Tarek Mansour.

Kalshi Enhances CNN’s News Coverage

Kalshi’s real-time prediction data will offer CNN’s viewers a fresh perspective on major events. The integration aims to help CNN provide clearer signals about emerging market trends. As Mansour explained, “Journalists can surface credible information about the real-time probabilities of events, enhancing the overall quality of reporting.”

Kalshi is positioning itself as a trusted source of information for journalists, political figures, and financial professionals. Recently, the platform accurately predicted the NYC Mayoral race only eight minutes after the polls closed. Kalshi’s ability to offer accurate, market-based predictions sets it apart from other news sources.

The prediction market platform has seen rapid growth, with $4.54 billion in trading activity in November. Kalshi’s trading volume has surged, reflecting increasing demand for its services. In comparison, its nearest competitor, Polymarket, reported $3.76 billion in trading activity for the same period.

Company Faces Lawsuit Over Sports Gambling Violations

Despite its success, Kalshi is currently facing a nationwide class action lawsuit. The lawsuit accuses the company of acting as an unlicensed sportsbook, violating Massachusetts state gambling laws. The state seeks damages, civil fines, and a court order prohibiting Kalshi from placing sports wagers without proper licensing.

Kalshi continues to operate amidst these legal challenges, maintaining its focus on prediction markets. The platform has experienced rapid growth in sports contracts, which have accounted for 70-75% of its activity in 2025. Despite these issues, Kalshi remains confident in its legal standing and business model.