The National Football League (NFL) has called on prediction market operators to remove certain types of event-based contracts, citing concerns about manipulation, insider information, and the broader impact on the integrity of the sport.

In letters sent to companies offering NFL-related prediction markets, the league outlined categories of trades it considers problematic and asked operators to avoid listing them. The requests were directed at platforms registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), including major players such as Kalshi and Polymarket.

League Raises Concerns Over Manipulation Risks

The NFL identified several types of markets it believes are particularly vulnerable. These include events that could be influenced by a single individual, such as specific on-field actions, as well as outcomes that may already be known before they occur, including draft selections, player signings, and coaching changes.

The league also objected to contracts tied to officiating decisions and what it described as “inherently objectionable” topics, including player injuries and fan safety. In addition, it raised concerns about non-game-related markets, such as predictions involving broadcast commentary or celebrity attendance at games.

Millions of dollars have been traded on such propositions, including wagers on what announcers would say during major events and which public figures would attend games. The NFL warned that these types of contracts could create situations where individuals with advance knowledge might benefit.

“Some people are going to have that information … that they can then share,” NFL executive vice president Jeff Miller said according to ESPN. “We’re trying to stay as far as we can from some of those sorts of inside information wagers that could exist in this space.”

The league stated that its objective is to protect participants from “unfair and unwanted allegations” linked to gambling activity.

Growing Prediction Market Sector Draws Scrutiny

Prediction markets have expanded rapidly, offering contracts that resemble traditional sports betting products. These include spreads, totals, and player-focused propositions, alongside more unconventional offerings.

The NFL noted that many of its concerns align with restrictions already placed on sportsbooks, though some of the contested markets—such as those involving broadcast mentions—are not typically available through licensed betting operators.

High trading volumes have highlighted the scale of interest in these products. In one instance, more than $100 million was reportedly traded on a single prediction related to a Super Bowl halftime performance.

At the same time, regulators and lawmakers have begun to examine the sector more closely. A bipartisan bill introduced in the U.S. Senate seeks to prohibit prediction markets from offering transactions that resemble sports betting. Several states have also initiated legal challenges, arguing that such platforms may be operating outside existing gambling frameworks.

Ongoing Discussions With Regulators

The NFL has engaged in discussions with the CFTC over recent months, though it has not established a formal partnership with the agency. Commissioner-level officials have indicated that collaboration between leagues and regulators is important as the market evolves.

CFTC Chair Michael Selig acknowledged the role of sports organizations in identifying risks tied to specific contracts. “If a league is telling us that a contract is going to be readily susceptible to manipulation and an exchange is still trying to certify that, of course we’ll evaluate the risks there,” he said. “But the leagues are very well positioned to make those calls and so we are going to afford a lot of deference to the leagues on these types of issues.”

The NFL has maintained that additional safeguards are necessary before it would consider deeper involvement with prediction market operators. “Sports prediction markets are not effectively regulated currently,” Miller said in a statement. “We will continue to engage with the CFTC in pursuit of the necessary guardrails to protect both the integrity of the game and consumers participating in these rapidly evolving markets.”

Industry Response and Wider Context

Prediction market companies have signaled a willingness to engage with sports leagues. A spokesperson for Polymarket said the company is open to collaboration aimed at maintaining integrity and improving the overall fan experience.

Other professional leagues have already moved forward with partnerships in this area. Major League Baseball recently reached an agreement with both a prediction platform and the CFTC to share information and develop a regulatory framework. Similar arrangements have been established by the NHL, UFC, and Major League Soccer.

The NFL has taken a more cautious approach, prioritizing oversight and risk mitigation. “There is no greater priority for the NFL than protecting the integrity of our games and the welfare of our players,” the league stated in its communication.

As prediction markets continue to expand and attract user interest, the NFL’s position highlights ongoing tensions between innovation in wagering-related products and the need for regulatory clarity and safeguards.