Major League Soccer (MLS) has officially entered the prediction market space, announcing a multi-year strategic partnership with Polymarket on Monday.
The agreement designates Polymarket as the “exclusive prediction market partner” for the league, covering marquee events including the MLS All-Star Game and the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
Deepening Fan Engagement
As the audience for soccer in the United States continues to expand, the league is looking for innovative ways to increase interaction. The partnership aims to utilize prediction markets to visualize fan sentiment regarding match outcomes and season narratives.
Shayne Coplan, Founder and CEO of Polymarket, emphasized the data-driven nature of the collaboration.
“Through our partnership with MLS and Leagues Cup, we can surface real-time collective sentiment around key moments, matches, and season-long storylines, giving fans a more interactive, data-driven way to experience the game and engage with the world’s most popular sport,” Coplan said.
Integrity and Industry Trends
To ensure the legitimacy of the markets, the deal includes strict safeguards. These measures involve third-party monitoring of trading activity and a collaborative approval process for all wagering options offered on the platform.
The move follows a growing trend among North American sports leagues. The NHL recently signed similar agreements with both Polymarket and its competitor, Kalshi, granting them access to proprietary data and virtual advertising slots during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Navigating a Complex Legal Landscape
The partnership secures significant credibility for Polymarket at a time when the sector faces legal headwinds. Competitor Kalshi is currently navigating lawsuits from multiple states arguing that prediction markets violate local gaming laws. Despite this, MLS views the technology as a vital tool for future growth.
Gary Stevenson, Major League Soccer Deputy Commissioner and President of Soccer United Marketing, noted the strategic importance of the move.
“Partnering with Polymarket allows us to integrate prediction markets as a new fan engagement format and position MLS as an early leader among global soccer properties,” Stevenson stated.
