Kalshi Signs First NBA Franchise Deal with 76ers

Kalshi has signed on for a content deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. In doing so, it signs its first deal with an NBA team. And it comes a week after Kalshi became a Preferred Prediction Market Exchange for the association.

As part of the deal, Kalshi marketing will be in evidence at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in South Philadelphia.

The two entities will also collaborate on social engagement content for the fans. These include fan votes on ‘Top Plays of the Month’ and competitions to meet 76ers stars past and present.

76ers: ‘First of Its Kind’

The Philadelphia 76ers trumpeted the deal, with the team’s chief revenue officer of partnerships Owen Morrin heralding the “first-of-its-kind team partnership” in the NBA. He added that it would deliver “new content, creativity, and engagement for 76ers fans.”

Though Polymarket, and now Kalshi, enjoy league-wide sponsor deals, this is the first time any prediction markets have signed up with NBA teams.

Kalshi said it was “excited” to connect with “one of the most passionate fan bases in sports.”

The 76ers currently sit top of the Eastern Conference with a 6–1 record and a three-game winning streak.

Kalshi and 76ers: What’s at Stake?

• Multi-year partnership: Kalshi becomes 76ers ‘Official Prediction Market Partner’
• Presenting partner of ‘Sixers Posters’: Kalshi to partner digital art series showcasing local Philly artists.
• ‘Beat the Pro’: Kalshi will present the fan engagement platform where one lucky fan will compete against a 76ers star for a shot at winning $76,000.
• Social media presence: Kalshi will create social media content, incl. Top Plays of the Month and cover some travel costs for fans.

Kalshi Deal Follows Wider NBA Agreement

Kalshi’s deal with the 76ers comes just days after the NBA partnered with it and predictions rival Polymarket in a data-sharing agreement.

The two prediction exchanges can now use official NBA data and stats to improve their platforms. Kalshi already made a data-sharing agreement in place with Genius Sports in August. Genius Sports supplies the platform with real-time sports data across its soccer portfolio.

Both Kalshi and Polymarket facilitate millions of dollars a week in event contracts on NBA games. That comes despite a backdown by the pair in certain states that object to them offering sports-related markets.

In return for enhanced data, the NBA now has a say in what Kalshi and Polymarket can offer. The NBA and the prediction markets can also work closer in weeding out insider trading – a problem for both the markets and the league.

Kalshi Needs Endorsements as Legal Battles Intensify

Kalshi and the prediction markets are locked in an endless spiral of legal battles with the regulators over who controls the exchanges.

The prediction markets are confident they are governed by the CFTC and regulated on a federal basis. However, many states are launching legal action, arguing that they violate state gambling laws by offering markets on NBA, NFL, and other sports.

Kalshi sued Louisiana last week in a preemptive move as it fears more interference. Though prediction markets are losing appeals court battles, it has had some limited wins, notably in New Jersey.

Sporting integrity has also hit the world of college basketball. Last week, Utah State University announced it had installed cameras at its arena to live-capture data to pass on to sportsbooks.

While that has alarmed the state’s stricter anti-gambling campaigners, it will undoubtedly improve the game’s integrity.