MLS Selects Polymarket
US Major League Soccer has chosen Polymarket as its official prediction market partner on two strategic fronts.
appointed Polymarket as its exclusive prediction market partner
On Monday, MLS announced Polymarket as its exclusive prediction market partner and the Shayne Coplan-owned brand as its first Authorized Prediction Market (APM) partner.
These partnerships will boost the league’s revenue and enhance integrity control over MLS-related prediction markets through the APS designation.
MLS’ Senior Vice President of Emerging Ventures, Chris Schlosser, mentioned that the APS status is akin to the Authorized Gaming Operator (AGO) designations that MLS and other US leagues have employed with traditional sportsbook partners for a decade.
Integrity is Key
Polymarket’s league-authorized APM status will enhance its brand credibility, although this designation comes with commitments to integrity monitoring. Schlosser noted that these commitments include third-party monitoring from firms like IC360, “support for investigations if needed; and enforcing our restricted individuals list to prevent staff, players, reps, owners, and club staff from trading on soccer.”
Sportico highlighted Schlosser’s caution about markets like shots on goal by a single player in one game as a possible “challenge” if offered by Polymarket.
a highly player-controlled market.”
According to Schlosser, this issue arises “particularly for the under, as it is a highly player-controlled market.” However, he clarified that metrics such as shots in a month, tournament, or season are less problematic.
Polymarket is nearing re-entry into the US market, currently in beta/invite-only mode, with reports indicating “very little evidence of any MLS player-specific markets” on its platform.
Commercial Opportunities
The commercial aspect of the deal includes prominent Polymarket branding at major events like the All-Star Game and MLS Cup. The New York-based company gains rights to MLS data and branding for its digital platforms and “prime virtual advertising space” on national TV during major live games, including the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Polymarket CEO Coplan stated that the deal provides soccer fans “a more interactive, data-driven way to experience the game and engage with the world’s most popular sport.”
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