Polymarket signs exclusive licensing deal with MLS, the largest US soccer league

Onchain predictions market Polymarket has signed an exclusive, multi-year licensing deal with Major League Soccer (MLS), the largest professional soccer league in the US. Under the agreement, Polymarket will be the league's sole prediction market partner, covering events like the MLS Cup, conference championships, and the All-Star Game, while also introducing new fan engagement features like second-screen experiences during live matches. Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan stated the partnership will allow them to surface real-time collective sentiment, offering fans a more interactive, data-driven way to experience the game. This move is part of a broader trend where leading prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi are securing data licensing deals with sports leagues, media firms, and search engines. While both platforms have deals with the NHL, Kalshi has recently seen higher trading volume, partly due to its relationship with Robinhood. The article also notes regulatory challenges, as states like Massachusetts, Ohio, and Tennessee have challenged sports contracts on prediction platforms as unlicensed betting.

(Source：The Block)