Players are experiencing safety threats from ‘vitriol’ of prediction market users, 11x WNBA All-Star Nneka Ogwumike warns

Prediction markets, such as Kalshi and Polymarket, are drawing criticism for their potential negative impact on athletes. Former Los Angeles Sparks player and 11-time WNBA All-Star Nneka Ogwumike warned about the dangerous consequences these platforms pose to WNBA players. At the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit, she stated that these markets are not a safe environment for athletes, as players are increasingly facing "vitriol" related to their performance.

Prediction markets, classified as financial exchanges, have grown in popularity and recently reached record volumes, with a combined weekly trading volume of $22.2 billion between Kalshi and Polymarket. College athletes have also reported harassment and negative messages on social media connected to their on-court performance. The 2025 NCAA study found that over half of Division 1 men's basketball players experienced this type of abuse, with 46% attributing the majority of negative or threatening messages to individuals who placed bets on their games.

In response to these issues, both the NBA and WNBA have launched a responsible gaming campaign, partnering with the National Council on Problem Gambling to educate fans about the risks associated with sports betting. However, Ogwumike emphasized the need for more resources to address the safety concerns and potential performance impacts on players.