MLB Players Association proposes ban on individual player prop bets

Major League Baseball's Players Association (MLBPA) has proposed banning prop bets on individual player performances as part of ongoing collective bargaining negotiations with Major League Baseball (MLB).

According to ESPN, the union is seeking a joint lobbying effort with the league to encourage sportsbooks, daily fantasy operators and prediction market providers to remove betting markets centred on individual player performances.

The proposal would cover both pre-match and in-play wagers, including popular markets such as whether a player will hit a home run or the number of strikeouts recorded by a pitcher.

The MLBPA's proposal is intended to address growing concerns over player harassment linked to sports betting. Individual athletes have increasingly reported abuse from bettors following unsuccessful wagers, while leagues have also raised concerns that player-specific betting markets may present greater integrity risks.

Alongside the proposed ban, the union has asked MLB to clarify that players should still be permitted to enter endorsement and sponsorship agreements with licensed betting operators, including prediction market companies. Current collective bargaining rules restrict players from using their name, image or likeness to promote betting on baseball events.

The union has also suggested changes to the handling of sports betting investigations. Under its proposal, players under investigation would be placed on administrative leave, while those serving suspensions for betting-related violations could complete a 15-day unpaid rehabilitation assignment in the minor leagues before returning to competition.

An MLB spokesperson confirmed that the league will respond to the proposals during negotiations.

The proposal follows wider efforts across US sport to tighten controls around player-specific betting markets. In late 2025, MLB and major sportsbooks introduced a $200 limit on first-pitch prop bets following an alleged betting manipulation scheme involving two Cleveland Guardians pitchers.

Elsewhere, the NCAA has continued lobbying state regulators to ban college player prop bets, while the NFL has also strengthened restrictions around prop betting for players and league personnel as part of its integrity framework.