Major League Baseball (MLB) has established a long-term partnership with Polymarket and has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), signaling its official entry into the rapidly evolving world of prediction markets.

According to the agreement, Polymarket is now MLB’s sole prediction market collaborator, gaining access to the league’s trademarks, logos, and official statistics, as well as digital promotion avenues during games and online. The financial specifics of the deal remain undisclosed.

This collaboration will enable Polymarket to present event contract markets associated with MLB games, while partnering with the league to limit markets that may be susceptible to manipulation, specifically those concerning individual pitches or managerial calls.

Additionally, the agreement between MLB and the CFTC initiates a framework for information sharing to bolster oversight and maintain integrity in prediction markets linked to professional baseball. The memorandum does not repeal any existing laws or regulations but lays the groundwork for cooperation between MLB and the federal authority.

“The agreements we have established with Polymarket and the CFTC are crucial steps in proactively navigating this evolving prediction market landscape,” stated MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.

“Ensuring the integrity of the game on the field is our utmost priority. By engaging in this arena, we can collaboratively set clear boundaries to mitigate risks while enhancing fan engagement,” he added.

The partnerships come amid MLB’s efforts to monitor trading activities related to its games and players and to avert possible manipulation, particularly with an ongoing investigation into alleged betting misconduct concerning Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz.

According to the MOU, both MLB and the CFTC will utilize shared insights exclusively for official purposes. “MLB will employ the information procured from the CFTC under this MOU solely for safeguarding the integrity and public trust in professional baseball,” the agreement affirms.

“The CFTC will leverage the data obtained from MLB for its statutory obligations, missions, purposes, functions, and activities under the Commodity Exchange Act, including enhancing the integrity, stability, and vitality of the event contracts market.”

CFTC Chairman Michael S. Selig remarked that the agreement is essential for protecting emerging markets.

“The MOU represents a cooperative initiative focused on fortifying the integrity and durability of prediction markets related to professional baseball,” he noted. “Through this MOU, the CFTC is well-equipped to implement additional measures to protect these markets and their participants from fraud and manipulation.”

“I extend my gratitude to MLB and Commissioner Rob Manfred for collaborating with the CFTC and assuming a pivotal role in safeguarding the integrity of these expanding markets,” Selig commented.

For Polymarket, this agreement solidifies its foothold in North American professional sports, complementing its existing partnerships with leagues such as the NHL, UFC, and MLS. The firm, which exited the U.S. market in 2022 due to regulatory challenges, re-entered in December 2025 by acquiring a derivatives exchange.

“Polymarket aims to bring fans closer to the pivotal moments in sports,” stated Shayne Coplan, founder and CEO of Polymarket. “By fostering a collaborative relationship with Major League Baseball and regulators, we can devise novel means for fans to interact with the game while preserving the sport’s integrity.”

Prediction markets, which enable users to speculate on the outcomes of real-life events, have drawn increasing scrutiny from regulators due to their resemblance to sports betting and the lack of standardized oversight compared to state-sanctioned sportsbooks. MLB’s initiative could inspire other major leagues, including the NBA and NFL, to pursue similar collaborations as the industry continues to develop.