NFL maintains cautious stance on prediction markets amid surge in trading volume

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has reaffirmed the league’s cautious stance regarding partnerships with prediction market platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket. Speaking to CNBC, Goodell stated that the league will not enter into official partnerships until “stronger regulations” are established to protect consumers and ensure the integrity of the game.

Despite the league's hesitation to formalize ties, NFL-related prediction market activity saw a massive surge during the first week of the regular season. Between September 7 and September 13, tracked prediction market volume for the NFL reached at least $1.034 billion, representing a 1,322% increase from the previous week.

Kalshi led this growth, recording $983.18 million in volume, while Polymarket Global reported $27.62 million in weekly NFL contract volume. The surge follows the league's first full regular-season slate, highlighting a rapidly growing interest in wagering on NFL outcomes despite the lack of official league endorsement.