CFTC, NHL Sign Agreement to Protect Integrity of Pro Hockey and Maintain Transparent Prediction Markets

• The Commodity Futures Trading Commission and National Hockey League today signed a Memorandum of Understanding
• The agreement is intended to protect integrity of professional hockey and maintain fair and transparent prediction markets
• Both agree to share information and maintain lines of communication to protect interests

The National Hockey League and Commodity Futures Trading Commission have entered into an agreement designed to protect the integrity of professional hockey while maintaining fair and transparent prediction markets.

The two agreed today to a memorandum of understanding, which will lead to shared information and coordination to protect the integrity of both professional hockey and related event contracts offered on Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) regulated exchanges.

“Integrity has always been and remains paramount to the NHL and fundamental to the trust our fans and partners place in our game,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a released statement. “Our agreement with the CFTC enhances the comprehensive integrity monitoring systems already in place and strengthens our ability to identify, deter, and address potential risks. This MOU reflects a shared commitment to transparency, oversight and protecting the integrity of the game.”

NHL Continues Prediction Market Partnerships

The National Hockey League (NHL) and CFTC each designated representatives in the agreement who will communicate regularly to discuss issues related to professional hockey integrity, share information confidentiality, and ensure communication line remain open between the two groups.

The NHL will also implement protections to monitor sports event contracts directly related to professional hockey, working directly with its partners to ensure the integrity of its prediction markets.

“I’m proud the CFTC and NHL have officially signed an MOU, furthering the agency’s commitment to improve data sharing between professional sports leagues and the Commission,” CFTC Chairman Michael S. Selig said. “This agreement is another step toward safeguarding the integrity of sports and protecting market participants in prediction markets from insider trading, fraud, and other abuses. I applaud NHL Commissioner Bettman for collaborating with the CFTC and taking a leading role in protecting the integrity of professional hockey in our markets.”

The NHL currently has licensing deals with both Kalshi and Polymarket. The multi-year agreements, signed in October 2025, allow the companies to access official NHL proprietary data and rights to use NHL markets, logos, and official designations on their platforms and products.

The agreements were the first of its kind between a major U.S. professional sports association and a prediction market company.

Both companies also receive brand exposure via Digitally Enhanced Dasherboards (DED) and blue line slot virtual signage on NHL game broadcasts including regular season national games, Stanley Cup Playoff games, NHL Winter Classic, and NHL Stadium series national broadcasts.

Memorandum of Understanding Details

The memorandum of understanding does not create “any legally binding obligations” and seems to be more of an informal information sharing partnership between the CFTC and NHL, according to its details.

“This MOU does not require either party to create or maintain or to provide or share information with the other party, and the decision whether to share information with the other party, and the decision whether to share information with the other party pursuant to this MOU shall be at the sole discretion of the ‘Providing Party’,” according to the document.

The agreement will lead both groups to “endeavor to meet as mutually agreed to identify and discuss issues that may impact the integrity of professional hockey and the event contract markets related thereto.”

Additionally, either the NHL or CFTC can make a request in writing for information from the other as well.