LeBron James announces partnership with Polymarket

NBA star LeBron James has announced a partnership with Polymarket, a blockchain-based prediction market platform. James teased the collaboration via a 14-second social media video showing him entering a stylized “Polymarket HQ” and selecting a sports-themed floor.

Reports indicate the upcoming marketing campaign will focus on American football. This strategic move follows the expiration of James’s previous endorsement deal with DraftKings. By focusing on football, the partnership likely navigates NBA regulations that restrict players from promoting wagering products directly tied to basketball.

The announcement has drawn mixed reactions. While it marks a significant expansion for Polymarket into individual athlete endorsements—joining others like Giannis Antetokounmpo’s partnership with Kalshi—some fans have criticized the move, expressing concerns regarding the promotion of gambling-adjacent platforms. Polymarket itself is currently facing legal scrutiny in approximately 20 U.S. states regarding the legality of its contracts.