MLS picks Polymarket
US Major League Soccer has appointed Polymarket as its official prediction market partner on two strategic fronts.
named Polymarket its exclusive prediction market partner
On Monday, the MLS named Polymarket its exclusive prediction market partner while also appointing the Shayne Coplan-owned brand as its first Authorized Prediction Market (APM) partner.
The agreements will give the league more revenue and, by way of the APS designation, more integrity control over MLS-related prediction markets.
The MLS’ Senior Vice President of Emerging Ventures Chris Schlosser stated the APS status is similar to Authorized Gaming Operator (AGO) designations the MLS and other US pro leagues have been using with traditional sportsbook partners for ten years.
Integrity a hot topic
While Polymarket’s brand credibility will be strengthened by its league-authorized APM status, the designation came with integrity monitoring commitments.
According to Schlosser, these included third-party monitoring from firms such IC360, “support for investigations should we ever need it; and support for our restricted individuals list, so staff, players, reps, owners and club staff can’t trade on the sport of soccer.”
Sportico on Monday cited Schlosser, who highlighted shots on goal by a single soccer player in one game as being a potential “challenge” should Polymarket offer such markets.
a very player-controlled market.”
The issue comes, the MLS exec stated, “particularly for the under, because that’s a very player-controlled market.” Schlosser added, however, that: “Shots in a month, shots in the tournament or shots over the course of a season, not nearly as problematic.”
Polymarket is in the final stages of re-entering the US market and currently operating in a beta/invite-only mode, while additionally reports stated there was “very little evidence of any MLS player-specific markets” on the platform.
Commercial benefits
The commercial marketing aspect of the deal will see Polymarket branding featuring prominently in major events like the All-Star Game and MLS Cup. The New York-based firm now also has the rights to use MLS data and branding across its digital platforms, and will also gain “prime virtual advertising space” on national TV for major live games, including the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Polymarket CEO Coplan said the deal would give soccer fans “a more interactive, data-driven way to experience the game and engage with the world’s most popular sport.”
