Polymarket Partners with Major League Soccer in Multi-Year Prediction Market Deal - Blockonomi
by Brenda Mary · BlockonomiTLDR:
Table of Contents
- Polymarket gains exclusive prediction market partnership rights across MLS, All-Star Game, and MLS Cup events
- Partnership includes independent monitoring systems to protect competitive integrity of MLS and Leagues Cup matches
- MLS becomes among first global soccer leagues to integrate prediction market insights into official fan experience
- Agreement targets enhanced live match and second-screen engagement through real-time collective sentiment data
Soccer United Marketing has confirmed a landmark multi-year agreement with Polymarket, establishing the prediction market platform as an official partner of Major League Soccer and Leagues Cup.
The partnership marks a new direction for fan engagement in professional soccer, bringing prediction-based insights directly into the match experience.
This collaboration positions MLS among the first global soccer leagues to integrate prediction market technology into its operations.
Partnership Details and Fan Engagement Strategy
Soccer United Marketing, which serves as the commercial division of Major League Soccer, announced the agreement through official channels.
Polymarket gains exclusive rights as the prediction market partner across multiple MLS properties. The designation covers regular season matches, the MLS All-Star Game, and MLS Cup presented by Audi.
The partnership extends to Leagues Cup within the United States market. Under this arrangement, prediction markets will become part of the standard fan experience across both competitions.
MLS Communications shared the news through X, confirming the agreement between Soccer United Marketing and Polymarket.
Both organizations plan to develop new digital experiences across MLS platforms. The focus centers on improving live match experiences and second-screen engagement opportunities.
These initiatives aim to connect supporters with real-time data reflecting collective fan sentiment during critical moments.
Shayne Coplan, Founder and CEO of Polymarket, commented on the evolving soccer landscape in North America. “As soccer’s audience continues to grow and evolve in the U.S., fans are looking for new ways to engage more deeply with the game,” Coplan stated.
He explained that the partnership enables real-time collective sentiment tracking around key moments, matches, and season-long storylines.
Protection Measures and Market Context
Gary Stevenson, MLS Deputy Commissioner and President of Soccer United Marketing, addressed innovation as central to league growth.
“As MLS continues to grow, innovation remains central to how we engage fans and evolve the league,” Stevenson explained. He noted that partnering with Polymarket introduces prediction markets as a new fan engagement format.
The agreement includes specific safeguards designed to maintain competitive integrity. Independent monitoring systems will track trading activities across both MLS and Leagues Cup markets. The organizations will collaborate on oversight of markets offered through the platform.
North American soccer continues experiencing sustained growth momentum. The FIFA World Cup arrives in the region during 2026, creating heightened visibility for domestic competitions. Major League Soccer and Leagues Cup stand positioned to benefit from expanded interest.
The timing coincides with the approaching 2026 MLS season, which begins February 21. The opening day features 15 matches, including Inter Miami CF facing Los Angeles Football Club.
The champion from the previous season travels to Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the marquee matchup.
The partnership reflects broader industry trends toward technology integration in sports. Prediction markets offer data-driven engagement tools that complement traditional viewing experiences.
This arrangement between Polymarket and MLS demonstrates how leagues adapt to changing fan preferences.