MLS Enters Prediction Market Partnership Deal with Polymarket

Major League Soccer has finalised a multi-year commercial agreement with Polymarket, naming the platform as its official prediction market partner across several flagship competitions in the United States.

This collaboration covers MLS regular-season matches, the MLS All-Star Game, the MLS Cup, and the Leagues Cup. As part of the deal, Polymarket has also been granted Authorised Gaming Operator status. So, the brand is allowed to offer markets linked to MLS competitions under a framework similar to that of regulated sports betting operators. 

Furthermore, the agreement permits Polymarket to use official league intellectual property and branding, while setting boundaries around how MLS-related prediction markets are developed and supervised.

MLS stated that the agreement reflects its ongoing efforts to test new digital engagement formats as the league targets a growing and increasingly data-oriented fan base.

Digital activations focus on live and second-screen engagement

The league and Polymarket plan to collaborate on a series of digital activations across MLS and Leagues Cup platforms. Their focus will be on live match environments and the use of second-screens. These features will be positioned to surface real-time sentiment around matches, players, and season narratives. Therefore, fans enjoy extra context without changes to the match presentation or interference with the sport’s competitive structure.

Polymarket Founder and CEO Shayne Coplan gave a statement about the partnership. “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,” Coplan said.

Safeguards and monitoring form a core part of the agreement

Safeguards around match integrity form a central component of the partnership. MLS confirmed that all trading activity linked to its competitions will be subject to independent monitoring.

The league and Polymarket will also coordinate on the design and regulation of prediction markets to ensure compliance with agreed standards. The aim is to balance innovation in fan engagement while protecting competitive integrity.

This partnership follows recent scrutiny of the operator, including concerns around insider trading. However, the MLS has established clear governance structures to manage these risks.

Wider implications for leagues, data providers, and the market

MLS becomes the second major professional sports league in the US to formally integrate prediction markets through an official collaboration. The move follows a similar framework previously adopted by the National Hockey League in agreements involving Kalshi and Polymarket. Industry analysts stated that the deal could potentially have implications for sports data providers. 

Jordan Bender of Citizens said the agreement represents a positive signal for companies like Sportradar and Genius Sports. He also noted that exchanges operating under league-approved frameworks might require additional settlement, integrity, and monitoring services over time.

While immediate revenue contributions should not be expected, he said the MLS agreement serves as another proof point that established data providers will play a role as prediction markets develop and scale.