Polymarket Partners With MLS Amid First US Legal Fight

Polymarket is having a roller coaster of a month.

The prediction market giant scored a big win on Monday by reaching a deal with Major League Soccer (MLS). It will make the operator the league's official prediction partner, granting it advertising rights and the ability to create more MLS-specific markets.

The MLS is the first pro soccer league to integrate prediction data. While it is far smaller than its European rivals, Polymarket is hopeful that the MLS deal will give it a leg up in the world’s most popular sport.

The MLS joins the NHL and UFC in welcoming prediction partners. That allowed Polymarket to score its first pro sports sponsorship with the New York Rangers. While those leagues have massive fanbases, they are far less popular than the country’s three biggest: the NBA, NFL, and MLB. 

The so-called “Big 3” have remained skeptical of the prediction industry, characterizing it as a form of gambling. That has allowed smaller leagues, such as MLS, to tap into a rapidly growing market.

While the deal is a massive win for Polymarket, it may prove to be short-lived.

Polymarket Faces First US Lawsuit

Unfortunately for Polymarket prediction market, it is also facing its first US lawsuit since returning to the country. 

The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has announced a new lawsuit filed against the operator. The regulator argues that Polymarket is offering an unlicensed form of gambling and is asking the court to force the operator out.

As part of the lawsuit, the regulator is seeking an injunction to force Polymarket to suspend operations in Nevada while the case proceeds in court. The operator will likely quickly request an injunction of its own to continue operations. However, previous cases suggest the effort will fail.

The NGCB has already won injunctions against Crypto.com and Kalshi, which were forced to cease operations in Nevada.

While the regulator is scoring wins against the industry, those could be wiped out as cases work their way through the appeals process. There is an expectation that the industry’s fate will ultimately rest with the US Supreme Court, which would provide clarity on its future.