Barkley exits Polymarket, NBA names it a preferred partner
The NFL told Barkley to sell. The NBA just struck a deal with the same market.
The hit
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has sold his stake in Polymarket, telling Front Office Sports he received guidance from the NFL to unload the investment ahead of the season. Barkley, a three-time Pro Bowler, called it “no bueno.”
Why it matters
The NFL is fighting proposed CFTC rules on sports event contracts & does not appear close to a prediction market partnership, according to iGaming Business. That stands in contrast to the NBA, which signed a memorandum of understanding with the CFTC naming Kalshi & Polymarket as preferred partners. It’s also a different path to Barkley’s fellow Philadelphia athlete LeBron James, who signed with Polymarket after his DraftKings contract expired.
The record
| Barkley’s investment | Divested on NFL guidance |
|---|---|
| LeBron James deal | Signed with Polymarket last month after DraftKings contract expired |
| NBA-CFTC deal | Memorandum of understanding names Kalshi & Polymarket as preferred partners this week |
| NBA veto power | League can block contracts it deems objectionable |
What happens next
Watch whether the NFL’s CFTC opposition hardens before any rule change lands.
Sources: Prediction market roundup: Saquon unloads Polymarket stake
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