Major League Baseball (MLB) has officially ventured into the burgeoning prediction markets arena by signing a multi-year partnership with Polymarket, alongside a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
As part of this agreement, Polymarket will serve as MLB's exclusive partner in prediction markets, gaining rights to utilize the league's trademarks, logos, and official data, as well as opportunities for digital promotion during games and online platforms. The financial specifics of this partnership remain undisclosed.
This collaboration enables Polymarket to create event contract markets linked to MLB games, while working alongside the league to mitigate risks associated with market manipulation, particularly in areas like individual pitches and managerial choices.
In a separate arrangement, the MOU with the CFTC aims to establish a framework for sharing information, enhancing oversight and maintaining integrity in prediction markets associated with professional baseball. While it does not replace existing laws, it facilitates cooperation between MLB and the federal regulatory body.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized the importance of these agreements, stating, “These new partnerships with Polymarket and the CFTC are crucial for managing the rapidly evolving prediction market landscape.” He highlighted that safeguarding the game's integrity is a top priority and that collaboration with this community will help define clear boundaries to reduce risks while enhancing fan engagement.
The agreements arrive at a time when MLB is keen on monitoring trading activities related to its games and players, especially amid an ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct involving betting on specific pitches by Cleveland Guardians players Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz.
The MOU stipulates that both parties will utilize shared information strictly for official purposes. MLB will leverage the data received from the CFTC to uphold the integrity and public trust in professional baseball, while the CFTC will use information from MLB to fulfill its regulatory responsibilities under the Commodity Exchange Act.
CFTC Chairman Michael S. Selig remarked that the agreement is a significant step in protecting emerging markets. “The MOU is a collaborative effort aimed at enhancing the integrity and resilience of prediction markets related to professional baseball,” he stated. He expressed gratitude to MLB and Commissioner Manfred for their proactive role in safeguarding these evolving markets.
For Polymarket, this partnership solidifies its foothold in North American professional sports, joining its existing collaborations with leagues such as the NHL, UFC, and MLS. After exiting the U.S. market in 2022 due to regulatory challenges, Polymarket made a comeback in December 2025 by acquiring a derivatives exchange.
Shayne Coplan, founder and CEO of Polymarket, stated, “Our mission is to connect fans with the defining moments in sports. By collaborating with Major League Baseball and regulators, we can innovate new engagement opportunities for fans while ensuring the sport's integrity is maintained.”
Prediction markets, which allow users to trade on the outcomes of real-world events, have come under increasing scrutiny from regulators due to their similarities with sports betting and the inconsistent oversight compared to state-regulated sportsbooks. MLB's initiative may encourage other major leagues, including the NBA and NFL, to consider similar partnerships as this sector continues to grow.