TLDR LeBron James signed a two-year, $8 million deal with Polymarket to make weekly NFL picks. The Polymarket ad campaign also features Sue Bird, Reggie Bush, Derek Jeter, Eli Manning, Rajon Rondo, and Richard Sherman. James previously promoted DraftKings and once criticized how betting affected the integrity of sports. Rival Kalshi has signed deals with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bryson DeChambeau, and Lionel Messi, plus five MLB teams. The legal fight over sports event contracts continues in court, with a possible Supreme Court ruling ahead.
LeBron James has signed on with Polymarket. The deal makes him the newest professional athlete to team up with a prediction market platform.
James will make weekly NFL picks as part of the partnership. The agreement was announced earlier this month.
The Polymarket campaign includes several other retired sports stars. Sue Bird, Reggie Bush, Derek Jeter, Eli Manning, Rajon Rondo, and Richard Sherman all appear in the ad.
Filmmaker Spike Lee is also part of the promotional push. His involvement adds another recognizable name to the campaign.
James previously worked with DraftKings Sportsbook. That earlier partnership put him on the other side of the betting industry.
Three years ago, James spoke out against how online sportsbooks were changing the sport. He said betting was taking some of the integrity out of the game because fans cared more about their wagers than the outcome itself.
His new deal with Polymarket is reportedly worth $8 million over two years. The switch marks a change in tone from his earlier comments.
Polymarket Faces Off With Kalshi
Signing James and the other athletes was a win for Polymarket. The company has trailed rival Kalshi in valuation, trading volume, and athlete partnerships.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has his own deal with Kalshi. His agreement reportedly includes an ownership stake in