NFL Wants Tighter Reins on Prediction Markets
Mike Goodpaster Published 23/09/2026
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is calling for stricter oversight of NFL markets that are being offered by prediction market sites. The league is particularly concerned that certain sports-event contracts, such as a kicker missing a field goal, can be too easily manipulated by a single individual. There is also NFL objection to event contracts being offered on such facets of the game as injuries, officiating, or broadcast mentions. The fear is that such markets may bring into question the integrity of the league.
Goodell expresses that the NFL intends to take a patient approach before moving forward with any potential sponsorship deals involving prediction market sites.
NFL Commissioner Goodell worries about the lack of prediction market guardrails
In an interview with CNBC, NFL Commissioner Goodell emphasized that his league feels there is a need for greater restrictions on what prediction market sites can and cannot offer on their games.
"We've been really clear about that, and it's not a surprise, I think, for anybody," Goodell said. "We think that there needs to be stronger regulations into the prediction markets.
"We want to see that to protect the integrity of our game. And we want to make sure we're protecting the consumers that are on those platforms for the NFL."
In essence, the NFL is supporting the argument being put forth in so many U.S. states with legal and regulated sports betting. State gaming regulators argue that sports-event contracts should be governed by the same rules and restrictions as legal sports betting.
“In each of these state-regulated markets, regulators and state legislators closely monitor betting activity and, with input from professional sports leagues, can determine which bets and wager levels are acceptable,” NFL executive V.P. of communications, public affairs and policy Jeff Miller said, according to reporting by NBC Sports. “Those guardrails do not exist in prediction markets. . . . Congress and the CFTC should prohibit these and other types of objectionable bets among the many consumer and integrity protective measures needed before sports-related events contracts are legalized.”
Other sports are forming partnerships with prediction market sites
Other major North American sports leagues such as the NHL, NBA, and MLB have moved quickly to form advertising and marketing partnerships with major prediction market sites like Polymarket and Kalshi. NBA superstar LeBron James has signed on as a brand ambassador for Polymarket.
The NFL won't be going there. At least not yet.
“We’re proud of our relationships, and we think we’re doing it the right way," Goodell said. "We don’t feel like we have to be first to this. We feel like we’re going to be right. And the best thing to do is be patient and make sure you keep the integrity of the game No. 1.”
The NFL has always been very protective of the shield. They won't pursue avenues with the potential to tarnish the league's image. Goodell also admitted that the NFL can afford to be patient. As the dominant North American sport, the league earns billions in revenue each season.
The NFL made its case before Congress
In December, the House Committee on Agriculture held hearings. These were regarding the oversight of prediction markets by their regulator, the federal Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
The NFL stated its opinion of prediction market sites at the time.
“We are particularly troubled that several sports-related futures contracts have been launched nationwide, including in jurisdictions where sports betting has not been legalized,” Miller told the committee. “These contracts fall outside the purview of state regulatory authorities and the safeguards they impose upon the industry.”