The NBA has fully accepted sports betting, more than any other major sports league.
There have been conflicts of interest, such as ESPN insider Shams Charania tweeting about draft picks while having a deal with a sportsbook.
Recently, Giannis Antetokounmpo faced criticism after the trade deadline when he announced a partnership with prediction markets company Kalshi, right after deciding not to move following trade speculation.
Those who expected Giannis to be traded lost millions, while he benefited from the platform.
Despite a federal investigation into several gambling scandals, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver appeared unconcerned about Antetokounmpo’s new venture.
NBA Commissioner Discusses Prediction Markets
“In Giannis’s case, as I understand it, it’s a very small investment, less than 1%, so it does not break the rules negotiated with the players association,” Silver stated, according to Front Office Sports. “This is an issue I am closely monitoring.”
The Commissioner also mentioned that the NBA is evaluating prediction markets like they do with sportsbooks:
“This area is changing quickly. We are examining prediction markets in the same way we are examining sports betting,” Silver added.
Partnering with sportsbooks has affected the league’s reputation, yet the Commissioner seems comfortable with players investing in a business that raises concerns about insider trading and financial risks for fans.