Saquon Barkley divests Polymarket stake after NFL clarifies betting rules

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has divested his stake in Polymarket after the NFL clarified that its betting restrictions also apply to prediction market investments and endorsements.

“I am not in that right now,” Barkley told Front Office Sports in an interview Tuesday. “I am not allowed to be in that.”

NFL policy on prediction markets

The NFL confirmed to FOS that players cannot invest in or promote sportsbooks or prediction markets but declined to address Barkley’s situation specifically.

The league informed players, coaches and staff in August 2025 that trading NFL event contracts would be treated the same as wagering with sportsbooks under its gambling policy.

Earlier this month, the NFL urged the U.S. Supreme Court to resolve the legal dispute over prediction markets, arguing that states should retain authority to regulate sports-related contracts. The NFL also called for a minimum trading age of 21, matching most state-regulated sportsbooks.

Other leagues embrace prediction markets

The NBA announced agreements with both Kalshi and Polymarket on Monday, joining MLB and the NHL in establishing prediction market partnerships. That leaves the NFL as the only major U.S. professional sports league without a deal with Kalshi or Polymarket.

Under the NBA’s 2023 collective bargaining agreement, players gained the ability to hold passive stakes of less than 1% in companies offering NBA betting and sign endorsement deals, provided they do not promote betting on NBA games.

Miami Heat star Giannis Antetokounmpo and Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid have acquired stakes in Kalshi. Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. also signed an endorsement deal with Kalshi earlier this month.

The Third Circuit sided with Kalshi in New Jersey, while the Sixth and Ninth Circuits have ruled in favor of state regulatory authority in cases involving Ohio, Tennessee and Nevada.