Genius Sports has cut deals with Polymarket and Kalshi, both U.S.-regulated prediction market operators, marking its first step into the prediction market arena. The partnerships aim to enhance the delivery of official sports data across the U.S.
In This News
Teaming Up with Polymarket
Announced Tuesday, Genius Sports will supply Polymarket — operating under the U.S. But commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) — with official real-time event data. In addition, the company will provide exclusive live streaming rights for select leagues, including Italy’s Serie A, targeted at U.S. audiences. The collaboration, which also includes digital marketing support via Genius Sports’ media properties owned by Legend, connects Serie A live streaming with real-time event contracts to boost fan engagement. But polymarket emphasized that the partnership allows sports leagues to monitor prediction market activities in real time and identify any irregular trading behavior. Ari Borod, Polymarket’s president of sports business development, noted the importance of live streaming and data integrity in creating a dependable product. Sean Conroy of Genius Sports added that combining official data, streaming, and integrity services helps Polymarket offer a trusted experience to U.S. sports fans.
Collaborating with Kalshi
On Wednesday, Genius Sports revealed a similar partnership with Kalshi. This deal includes real-time data across soccer leagues such as the English Premier League, Serie A, Liga MX, Argentine Primera División, and Ligue 1 in France. It will also integrate marketing, media outreach, and integrity services, reinforcing Genius Sports’ information-sharing frameworks. Adam Barrick, Kalshi’s head of sports partnerships, expressed pride in teaming up with Genius Sports, citing their proven track record in maintaining competition transparency. Both partnerships are set to take effect immediately, aimed at offering U.S. users strong prediction market offerings backed by official data. And meanwhile, Sportradar announced similar partnerships with both Kalshi and Polymarket in June. On a recent earnings call, their CEO, Carsten Koerl, expressed optimism about the potential boost to revenues through prediction market contracts — a sentiment that Genius Sports’ recent moves seem to echo.
Competitive market and Implications
Genius Sports’ strategic partnerships come on the heels of its $1.2 billion acquisition of media technology platform Legend. This previous move — $900 million upfront and potentially another $300 million in earnouts — expands their footprint in the media and sports entertainment sectors, now including prediction markets. Industry analysis indicates the partnerships could help Genius Sports counterbalance competitors like Sportradar, particularly in the fast-developing U.S. market. However, questions remain about how these partnerships will impact the sector’s overall revenue stream as they navigate state regulations and consumer interest. Genius Sports’ entry into prediction markets isn’t its first bold move in recent years, showing a pattern of using acquisitions to widen its reach in sports data markets. The timing of these announcements — just weeks before major sports seasons kick off — might give the company a competitive edge. The outcomes of these collaborations will become clearer as the market adapts to the new offerings. Regulatory reviews and consumer reception in the U.S. will play key roles in determining the success or failure of these partnerships.
What’s Next?
Genius Sports’ integration with Polymarket and Kalshi is set to commence without delay. The company will likely monitor the impact of these arrangements closely, especially given the growing interest in prediction markets. Expect updates as state regulatory environments evolve and as more sports leagues get involved.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
