CFTC and NBA sign MOU over prediction markets, NBA names Kalshi, Polymarket as "preferred" markets

This week, the NBA designated Kalshi and Polymarket as its preferred prediction-market platforms and signed a memorandum of understanding with the CFTC, a regulator, aimed at ensuring trading tied to league games is regulated. The NBA and CFTC will exchange information and confer regularly about the fairness of basketball-related markets; the platforms must restrict which contracts they offer, flag suspicious activity and assist investigations, while league and team employees are barred from trading on NBA games. The NBA is the third major sports league to reach such an agreement with the CFTC this year, following Major League Baseball on March 19, 2026, and the NHL on May 21, 2026.