Barkley Dumps Polymarket Shares to Meet NFL Gambling Standards

Saquon Barkley has divested his equity in Polymarket to satisfy a new NFL rule that prohibits players from holding stakes in gambling or prediction market companies.

Barkley discussed the change in a Wednesday report from Front Office Sports. He explained that the league provides players with a clear list of permitted and prohibited endorsements and investments before each season. Prediction markets are no longer on the approved list. "I was in it before, but no bueno," Barkley said.

A spokesperson for the NFL Players Association confirmed the league's stance earlier this year. The union stated that the NFL views prediction markets as gambling entities. Consequently, players cannot serve as endorsers or brand ambassadors for firms like Kalshi or Polymarket.

Barkley has maintained a portfolio of private investments since 2025. A report from The Profile noted he invested more than $500,000 in several startups. These companies included Anthropic, Anduril, Ramp, Cognition, Neuralink, Strike, and Polymarket.

The NFL's strict stance contrasts with other major American leagues. The NBA, Major League Baseball, the NHL, and MLS currently hold agreements with Kalshi, Polymarket, or both.

The league is also seeking legal clarification on the issue. Earlier this month, the NFL petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to review whether sports event contracts fall under state gambling regulators. A league source told ESPN that the NFL wants a quick ruling and would accept a federal framework if it mirrors state approaches.