TLDR The NFL has not granted prediction market exchanges official partnership status, unlike MLB, the NHL, and MLS. The league wants a 21+ minimum age standard, advertising limits, and protections against market manipulation before any deal happens. Novig released a “Responsible Trading Framework” with a 21+ age rule, which the company says was not made in response to NFL pressure. Other exchanges, including ProphetX, are pushing back on a 21+ standard, arguing prediction markets differ from traditional sports betting. Prediction market brands are reaching NFL fans through social media, apparel, and app ads without using official league marks.
The NFL is holding firm on a set of conditions before it will allow prediction market exchanges to become official partners of the league. Right now, none of the major exchanges have that status. Fans won’t see prediction market ads during games or in stadiums, and NFL teams cannot sign sponsorship deals with these companies.
The league laid out its concerns in a letter sent to the CFTC in July. Its main worries center on protecting the sport from manipulation and insider trading. The NFL also asked for advertising restrictions and a minimum trading age of 21.
What the NFL Wants
According to Eric Foote, founder and CEO of VIG Partners, the league has four or five key categories it wants addressed. Foote said the NFL may sit out part or all of this season while those talks continue.
One exchange, Novig, recently announced a “Responsible Trading Framework” that includes a 21+ age minimum. The policy also covers self-control tools for customers and rules for monitoring risky trading behavior.
Novig founder Jacob Fortinsky said the framework was built before the NFL released its own guidelines. He said the company has operated as a 21+ platform since before it became