The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the National Hockey League have signed a memorandum of understanding designed to tighten coordination around professional hockey integrity and the fast-growing market for sports event contracts tied to NHL games.
The agreement creates a formal structure for information sharing and consultation between the federal derivatives regulator and the league. Both sides said the arrangement is meant to support confidence in NHL competition while also helping regulators monitor trading activity connected to hockey-related event contracts listed on CFTC-regulated exchanges.
The CFTC announced the agreement in a press release and said the deal establishes designated points of contact for handling integrity concerns involving professional hockey and prediction-style markets connected to the sport.
“I’m proud the CFTC and NHL have officially signed an MOU, furthering the agency’s commitment to improve data sharing between professional sports leagues and the Commission,” said CFTC Chairman Michael S. Selig.
“This agreement is another step toward safeguarding the integrity of sports and protecting market participants in prediction markets from insider trading, fraud, and other abuses. I applaud NHL Commissioner Bettman for collaborating with the CFTC and taking a leading role in protecting the integrity of professional hockey in our markets.”
CFTC NHL partnership comes amid calls for greater prediction market oversight
The deal arrives as sports prediction markets have drawn heavier political and regulatory attention. Companies including Kalshi and Polymarket have pushed deeper into sports-related event contracts, triggering debate over whether those offerings resemble regulated derivatives products or traditional sports wagering.
Recent disputes involving tribal gaming sovereignty and prediction market expansion have added pressure on regulators to clarify how these contracts should operate. The CFTC has also faced calls from lawmakers to establish stronger oversight standards after several major sports leagues publicly backed better gambling integrity protections following betting controversies tied to professional athletics.
The NHL has already moved closer to prediction market operators in recent months. Earlier this year, the Chicago Blackhawks announced a partnership connected to Kalshi.
Under the memorandum, representatives from both organizations may meet whenever issues arise that could affect “the integrity of professional hockey and the event contract markets related thereto.” The agreement also calls for timely responses to information requests while limiting unnecessary administrative burdens.
The document contains detailed confidentiality rules governing any material exchanged between the organizations. Information provided by the NHL may only be used by the CFTC in connection with its responsibilities under the Commodity Exchange Act, while the NHL can only use CFTC information for league integrity purposes.
“Integrity has always been and remains paramount to the NHL and fundamental to the trust our fans and partners place in our game,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “Our agreement with the CFTC enhances the comprehensive integrity monitoring systems already in place and strengthens our ability to identify, deter, and address potential risks. This MOU reflects a shared commitment to transparency, oversight and protecting the integrity of the game.”
Featured image: CFTC / Canva
