NBA Commissioner Says Prediction Markets Are Betting, But Decision Rests with Lawmakers, Courts

Commissioner Adam Silver is bucking the trend at a time when major leagues are, for all intents and purposes, endorsing prediction markets. The NBA isn’t so sure, but the league’s say in the matter is limited, says Silver.

Silver Says Lawmakers, Courts Ought to Settle Prediction Market Betting Dilemma

Ahead of the All-Star game over the weekend, Silver stated that the NBA maintains a clear and unambiguous stance on prediction markets – these platforms constitute a form of sports gambling, and this is the maintained position by the league as well.

Yet, the NBA has little say in how these platforms are legally defined, with Silver confirming that the final decision will rest with lawmakers and the courts, which are currently presiding over cases involving prediction markets.

To the commissioner, it’s not yet clear what the future of the vertical would be, and whether the platforms would be allowed to continue operating in the way they are so far. 

The remarks came during the league-hosted private gathering reuniting executives at the NBA All-Star Tech Summit, along with representatives of betting companies, such as FanDuel and DraftKings, but also the CEOs of Polymarket and Kalshi.

Yet, nothing in Silver’s comments ought to be understood as antagonism towards the sector, not least because the topic of the day was: “Prediction Markets: The Impact on Sports and Beyond,” indicating that the NBA is much like other top-flight leagues, exploring its options. 

NBA Rocked by One Betting Scandal After the Next

However, the NBA is naturally cautious about any betting-related activities, not least because several high-profile figures and insiders have been brought on charges or found guilty of match-fixing and other gambling-related offenses.

Notably, Jontay Porter received a lifetime ban from the sport, becoming the first athlete to have done so.  In the meantime, Terry Rozier is similarly facing charges of having conspired with illegal actors to influence the outcomes of wagers and thus defraud sportsbooks.

A gambler linked to the same scandal was already handed down a two-year sentence, while Malik Beasley has had to take his game to Puerto Rico as he awaits being cleared by the NBA, following a federal investigation that found no wrongdoing.