Posted on: June 26, 2026, 11:58h.
Last updated on: June 26, 2026, 11:58h.
- The Major League Baseball Players Association is advocating for a national prohibition on player prop bets
- The suggested ban encompasses both online and retail sportsbooks, as well as federally sanctioned sports prediction platforms
- Past attempts at federal sports betting legislation have encountered significant obstacles, presenting a challenge for the MLBPA
The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) is pushing for a nationwide ban that would prevent sportsbooks from offering player prop bets featuring its athletes.
Currently, the MLBPA and Major League Baseball are in talks for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to replace the existing labor contract set to expire on December 1. These negotiations are in their preliminary stages, with both parties presenting initial proposals.
ESPN reports that the players’ union is aiming to collaborate with MLB to push for a ban on player prop bets at retail and online sportsbooks, as well as federally governed sports prediction markets. Player prop bets involve stakes on individual player performances, such as whether a batter will secure a home run or the number of strikeouts a pitcher will achieve.
Concerns surrounding prop bets have been linked to increased harassment faced by both professional and student-athletes on and off the field.
For years, the NCAA has been advocating for state legislatures and gaming regulators to ban such bets related to college sports. Currently, 15 states prohibit player props for college sports, although many still permit individual-player wagers in professional leagues, including MLB.
Challenges Ahead for MLBPA’s Proposal
To establish a nationwide ban on MLB player props, intervention from Congress would be necessary.
Given that the federal government oversees prediction markets through the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), a comprehensive ban on player props is achievable. However, enforcing a prohibition on player props at state-regulated sportsbooks presents a more complex legal challenge.
In its pivotal ruling in Murphy (Christie) v. NCAA in May 2018, the Supreme Court determined that Congress could not compel states to restrict single-game sports betting for 49 states while allowing Nevada to operate without similar constraints. This ruling empowered states to make their own decisions regarding the legality of sports betting.
Nonetheless, Congress still holds the constitutional power to regulate sports betting if it chooses to do so.
Despite this, no significant movement toward federal regulation has occurred since 2018, and any congressional attempts to set rules for sports betting would likely be met with multiple state-level legal challenges.
Pending Federal Sports Betting Legislation
The legal sports betting industry has strongly opposed federal intervention in state-managed sports betting.
Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the Supporting Affordability & Fairness With Every Bet Act in 2024, 2025, and 2026, commonly known as the SAFE Bet Act; however, it hasn’t yet progressed through a House committee.
Similarly, the Providing Responsible Oversight and Transparency and Ensuring Collegiate Trust Student Athletes Act, or PROTECT Student Athletes Act, has also stalled. This bill, led by US Rep. Michael Baumgartner (R-WA), aims to implement a nationwide ban on player props involving college athletes.