WNBA ‘Assessing’ Possibility of Prediction Market Deals

The WNBA has expressed openness to exploring partnerships with prediction markets, according to a league spokesperson. This follows the NBA's recent announcement of agreements with multiple prediction markets, which the WNBA also intends to consider. The WNBA's assessment will focus on the commercial potential of such partnerships, which would involve critical integrity protections, such as restrictions on event contracts tied to player props and parlays built around statistical unders.

These protections mirror the NBA's recent restrictions placed on its sportsbook partners. While the WNBA has not yet partnered with a prediction market, a source familiar with the league's thinking indicates that it will make a decision "at the appropriate time." The NBA has named Kalshi and Polymarket as its preferred prediction market partners, granting them the right to use the league's intellectual property in their app and marketing.

However, it is unclear whether the WNBA will also be involved in these partnerships. The WNBA's willingness to consider prediction markets comes amid concerns from players about the negative feedback they've received from sports bettors. Players like Chelsea Gray have reported receiving racist messages from bettors, while veteran players have also shared their experiences with threats from online bettors.

In response, WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson has called for the union to be involved in any conversations the league has with prediction markets, emphasizing that players should be essential stakeholders in these discussions.