Written by :
Published on :
A sign that prediction markets are here to stay despite some state regulators desire to eradicate the sector, on Thursday Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed the league is considering partnering with either Polymarket or Kalshi, the two leading prediction markets.
Should this come to fruition, the MLB would join only the NHL and UFC as major professional sports leagues partnering with Polymarket and Kalshi.
Owners were briefed this week at their quarterly meetings about the possibility of partnering with a prediction market. Both companies are federally regulated. Some US states like Nevada and New Jersey are fighting to keep prediction market firms out of their market.
"We thought it was important for the owners to be updated on why prediction markets are different than sports betting -- why we might want to consider being in be business with prediction markets in an effort to protect our integrity, to get the kind of protections we need," Manfred said. "The regulatory framework, very different. Obviously state by state on the sports betting side, federal on the other."
The consideration comes at a time when the league is dealing with a gambling scandal of its own.
In late July 2025, the MLB announced that Cleveland Guardians' closer Emmanuel Clase had been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave while the league investigates possible connections to sports betting.
Clase, a three-time All-Star and one of the most reliable relievers in the American League, could become the most prominent player in several years to be subject to credible gambling allegations.
Clase has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, and influencing sporting contests by bribery.
- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com
