Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley runs the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the

Saquon Barkley Says NFL Forced Him to Divest Polymarket Stake

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Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley said the NFL forced him to divest his equity stake in Polymarket, citing league rules that prohibit players from investing in or endorsing gambling or prediction-market companies.

Barkley confirmed to Front Office Sports that the NFL’s gambling policy required him to sell his shares in the prediction market platform, a decision he described as “no bueno” after initial involvement. The league’s stance contrasts with other major U.S. sports leagues, which have embraced partnerships with prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket. The incident occurred during a Week 8 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on October 26, 2026, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, where Barkley was seen kneeling on the sidelines during the second half.

NFL Bans Player Investments in Prediction Markets

The NFL’s prohibition on player investments in prediction markets aligns with its broader restrictions on gambling-related activities. An NFL Players Association spokesperson reiterated that the league views these platforms as gambling entities, barring players from endorsing or investing in them. This policy came to light as Barkley revealed his $500,000+ investments in startups, including Polymarket, during a 2025 report by The Profile.

I was in it before, but no bueno, he told Front Office Sports, acknowledging the league’s strict enforcement. The NFL’s 2026 clarification of its gambling policies came after the league urged the U.S. Supreme Court to review whether prediction markets’ sports-event contracts fall under state gambling regulators. A league source told ESPN’s David Purdum that the NFL seeks clarity on the issue to establish a federal framework for regulation.

Contrast with Other Leagues

While the NFL maintains a cautious approach, other leagues have actively engaged with prediction markets. The NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS all have deals with Kalshi or Polymarket, according to sources. For example, Philadelphia 76ers star LeBron James earns $15 million annually as a Polymarket endorser, appearing in commercials alongside figures like Derek Jeter and Eli Manning. Basketball players Kyle Kuzma and Breanna Stewart have also partnered with Kalshi, while Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo became a shareholder in Polymarket rival Kalshi in February 2025.

The NFL’s reluctance extends to player endorsements. Barkley’s case highlights this divide, as he noted, I’m not allowed to be in that. The league has raised concerns about insider trading and the potential manipulation of markets involving player injuries, officiating decisions, and other outcomes.

Barkley’s Investment History

Barkley’s financial ties to Polymarket emerged in September 2025, as reported by the New York Post. At the time, he held equity in the platform alongside other startups like Anthropic and Neuralink. His involvement coincided with a trend of athletes partnering with prediction markets, including Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who became a Kalshi shareholder in February 2025. Barkley’s investments included ventures like Anduril, Ramp, Cognition, Neuralink, Strike, and Polymarket, according to a 2025 report by The Profile.

Saquon Barkley Says NFL Forced Him to Divest Polymarket Stake
Photo: espn.com

The Eagles running back’s decision to divest came after the NFL’s gambling policy restrictions. I got into it in February… and it came out around June or July, the NFL kind of announced that we aren’t allowed to, Barkley said, emphasizing the timing of the league’s directive. His comments highlight the tension between personal investment and institutional rules in professional sports. Barkley also stated, I am not in that right now. I’m not allowed to be in that… I don’t know how much I can go into that.

The NFL’s stance on prediction market partnerships appears to differ from other sports. While the league partners with regulated online sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel, it has not established similar relationships with prediction markets. The league’s legal challenge to the Supreme Court reflects its effort to define the regulations for prediction markets, which it claims could threaten fair play and integrity.

More on Saquon Barkley: Saquon Barkley: Hamstring Great Despite Back Concerns

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