Polymarket and Kalshi have both been named by the National Hockey League (NHL) as official prediction market partners.
The multi-year deal will see the two market rivals each obtain the rights to use official NHL branding across their platform and products - it is the first deal of its kind between a sports league and prediction market operator.
Certain other platforms, like Robinhood, will also have access to the logos and trademarks, as the deal covers any brokers and merchants that host Polymarket and Kalshi contracts.
Both companies' branding will also feature on NHL game broadcasts via 'digitally enhanced dasherboards' and blue line slot virtual signage.
Polymarket Founder and CEO Shayne Coplan said: "Together, we're making the game more interactive and connected, and we appreciate the support of the NHL in recognizing the future of fan experiences benefits from engagement with prediction markets."
Use of official league branding alongside sport prediction contracts lends the two operators an added sheen of legitimacy at the same time that the practice of offering such contracts is under such legal and regulatory scrutiny.
Keith Wachtel is the President of NHL Business was effusive in his praise for the burgeoning vertical and was clear that this arrangement had massive potential to canvas fan engagement throughout the hockey season.
On Kalshi's side, CEO Tarek Mansour referred to the partnership as an important milestone, saying: "To have a league like the NHL embrace Kalshi is a testament to the integrity, safety, and trust with consumers that Kalshi has spent years building during our time pioneering this asset class. It should be clear now - prediction markets are here to stay."
The same day on which this major US sports league gave its implicit backing to prediction markets, the established sports betting industry moved another step closer to embracing it as well, with DraftKings acquiring Railbird Technology.
This means the fantasy sports giant now also owns Railbird Exchange, a federally licensed market through which the company can sell event contracts.
Last year, PrizePicks, which has registered as PrizePick Predicts with the National Futures Association, signed an agreement with NHL franchise the Dallas Stars
