On January 26, 2026, Polymarket, a prediction platform based on on-chain construction, signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Major League Soccer (MLS), which was a big milestone in fan engagement.
The collaboration makes Polymarket the official prediction market partner of MLS and the Leagues Cup, with real-time predictive analytics offered to fans of soccer in the United States.
Increasing fan experience with real-time data
This partnership creates an interactive fan experience through the incorporation of prediction markets into live MLS matches and the Leagues Cup.
It allows fans to participate in the game in real time, and they contribute to the sentiment tracking collectively over the platform.
Polymarket CEO, Shayne Coplan, highlighted that the deal will provide the fans with a chance to engage in a deeper way with the sport, which will offer a more data-driven method of watching games.
This alliance also supports the current initiatives by MLS in the innovation and enhancement of fan participation, as the popularity of soccer keeps growing in the U.S.
The MLS Deputy Commissioner, Gary Stevenson, emphasized the need to remain at the forefront of fan engagement. Collaborating with Polymarket makes MLS the innovator in soccer, Stevenson said. The introduction of prediction markets into MLS matches attests to the desire by the league to ensure that fans have a state-of-the-art viewing experience.
Growing sports partnerships of Polymarket
The partnership between Polymarket and MLS occurs against this backdrop of a growing trend of prediction market platforms entering into partnerships with larger sports leagues and teams.
In early January 2026, Polymarket entered the market officially, becoming a prediction market partner of the New York Rangers.
This deal will involve in-arena sponsored promotions, LED boards, and digital activations throughout the games when the Rangers play at Madison Square Garden.
Besides hockey, Polymarket has also established a strong association with the National Hockey League (NHL), and this has made it a leading sports prediction market participant.
Such associations give Polymarket and Kalshi, another player in the prediction market industry, the chance to use NHL branding and official marks, which increases the involvement of fans in the sphere of multiple platforms.
Expanding to combat sports
Prediction markets are also entering into combat sports in addition to the traditional team sports.
In November 2025, Polymarket declared a total union with TKO Group Holdings, which is the parent company of Zuffa Boxing and the UFC.
Such a lasting cooperation will introduce real-time prediction technology to engage sports fans with a new interactive approach to live events.
The recent trend of the use of prediction markets in sports is indicative of the fact that the sports sector is becoming more popular as fans look to engage more with their favorite sports in an interactive and immersive manner.
The agreement between Polymarket and MLS is an indication that prediction markets are becoming increasingly significant in sports entertainment.
With increased leagues and teams adopting the new form of engagement, the fan experience in both traditional and combat sports is poised to change.
As MLS is the pioneer in soccer, Polymarket tries to establish itself as a market leader in the interaction with the fans.
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