NBA and MLB have formally urged the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to impose tighter restrictions on the fast-growing prediction markets industry.
In letters sent Thursday, both leagues requested greater control over which event-based contracts can be offered on their competitions. They specifically called for bans on markets tied to player performance props, injuries, officiating decisions, transactions, and even fan behavior—arguing these are highly vulnerable to manipulation and misuse of insider information.
The NBA emphasized that leagues are best positioned to evaluate integrity risks, and asked regulators to require league input before new markets go live.
At the same time, player unions across major leagues—including the NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, and NHL—submitted a joint appeal. They called for a ban on so-called “negative” contracts, such as betting on player underperformance, injuries, or disciplinary actions, and raised concerns over the use of unauthorized player health data.
The move signals a growing clash between sports organizations and the emerging prediction markets sector, as regulators consider how to shape the industry’s future.