76ers Follow LeBron James’ $15 Million Polymarket Deal With Kalshi Partnership

The Philadelphia 76ers today announced a first-of-its kind agreement for a multi-year partnership with prediction market company Kalshi.

76ers Follow LeBron James’ $15 Million Polymarket Deal With Kalshi Partnership

Tyrese Maxey and LeBron James (Image credits - Yahoo Sports)

It has been 23 years since LeBron James made his NBA debut. Drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, James has played for multiple organizations throughout his illustrious career.

After an eight-year stint with the Los Angeles Lakers, James signed with the Philadelphia 76ers as a free agent. The 76ers represent the fourth and final team of his career.

While his decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers grabbed many eyeballs, his two-year, $8 million deal was an even bigger surprise as it marked the largest pay cut in NBA history. He earned close to $50 million in his final season with the Lakers.

Following his move to the 76ers in the summer, LeBron James made headlines for the wrong reasons after he partnered with prediction market platform Polymarket. The deal was estimated to be around $15 million per year.

While James received a lot of flak for the partnership, it was reported on Friday that the Philadelphia 76ers have struck a multi-year deal with another prediction market company, Kalshi. The deal makes Kalshi the 76ers’ official prediction market partner.

The Athletic’s Mike Vorkunov broke out the first-of-its-kind agreement on his X account.

The Philadelphia 76ers have struck a multi-year deal with Kalshi to make Kalshi its official prediction market partner. Sixers say they’re the 1st NBA team to name an official prediction market partner, and are following in the footsteps of the NBA’s deals this week.

Mike Vorkunov on X

The Philadelphia 76ers’ latest deal comes days after the NBA announced its own partnership with both Kalshi and Polymarket, naming the companies as the league’s preferred prediction market exchanges. It also made them the first NBA team to partner with a prediction market platform.

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Fans erupt after Philadelphia 76ers named Kalshi as official prediction market partner

Over the last few years, several athletes have partnered with prediction market companies. Earlier this year, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver had to defend Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s investment in Kalshi.

After the announcement, fans raised questions about how closely NBA teams should associate with platforms offering markets tied to sporting events.

Fans do not seem convinced by the deal and believe such partnerships are hurting the NBA as a whole, especially given the league has been severely affected by gambling allegations over the past few years. Prediction markets are often compared to traditional gambling, while the companies argue they are distinct from one another.

NBA announced new partnerships with Kalshi and Polymarket

After a lot of noise and allegations were directed towards LeBron James following his deal with Polymarket, the NBA announced new partnerships with both Kalshi and Polymarket. The league is now partnered directly with the world’s two largest prediction market companies.

Adam Silver
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver faces questions surrounding the NBA’s partnership with Kalshi and Polymarket (Image credits – CNN)

Considering the league itself has warmed up to prediction market companies, there is no reason for the Philadelphia 76ers to hold back. The deal will bring official NBA data to Kalshi’s basketball sports event contracts and establish direct collaboration with the league on market integrity, consumer protections, and athlete safety.

Kalshi confirmed the partnership in a press release.

We’re excited to see the NBA engage directly in shaping this future. Safe, responsible innovation requires leagues, exchanges, and regulators to work together. With this partnership, we’re putting that collaboration into practice: official data, stronger integrity protections, and an open marketplace where fans set the prices.

Kalshi spokesperson in its press release

As more teams consider similar agreements, the NBA will have to balance commercial opportunities with its responsibility to protect the game’s credibility. Until then, they will need to deal with pushback from fans.

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