UPA Partners with Kalshi to Launch Legal Pickleball Trading in the U.S.
USA
What's the Score?
The United Pickleball Association (UPA) has announced an exclusive one-year partnership with Kalshi, a CFTC-regulated predictions market, to introduce legal trading on pickleball outcomes across all 50 U.S. states. This groundbreaking agreement enables fans to trade on the results of professional pickleball events affiliated with the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP), marking a significant step into the realm of sports wagering and enhanced fan engagement. Kalshi, which integrates with Robinhood, is already offering trading for the PPA Cincinnati tournament, covering all five professional disciplines.
Hit it deeper!
In a landmark move set to revolutionise fan engagement in professional pickleball, the United Pickleball Association (UPA) has forged a one-year exclusive partnership with Kalshi, a predictions market. This alliance introduces legal trading on pickleball event outcomes to all 50 U.S. states, a significant development for professional pickleball events linked to the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP).
Kalshi distinguishes itself from traditional sports betting platforms by framing its exchanges not as "bets" but as opportunities for users to "buy Yes or No positions with respect to whether an event will happen or not". This unique positioning has allowed Kalshi to become the first CFTC-regulated exchange specifically dedicated to trading on future events. Its legitimacy is further bolstered by its seamless integration with the widely used financial services platform, Robinhood, making it accessible to a broad user base. This partnership comes after previous discussions around similar platforms like Polymarket, which had listed MLP events but was not available for U.S.-based trading, highlighting the UPA’s deliberate move to ensure accessibility for its American fanbase.
The impact of this partnership is already being felt at the ongoing PPA Cincinnati tournament. Kalshi is actively offering trading opportunities on the outcomes of all five professional disciplines: Men's Singles, Women's Singles, Mixed Doubles, Men's Doubles, and Women's Doubles. Early engagement has been promising, with nearly $5,000 already accumulated in the collective pot for these events.
Looking forward, Kalshi futures will be available for all PPA and MLP events. This comprehensive coverage will include not only the outcomes of each professional discipline but also an additional five "matches of interest" daily, as determined by Kalshi the night before each event. This extensive offering aims to keep fans deeply engaged throughout the entire professional pickleball season.
The UPA released a statement acknowledging this new venture, indicating that the organisation will "continue to formulate strategic plans around futures markets and sports wagering this year and beyond". This cautious yet forward-looking approach suggests that the UPA is committed to exploring the full potential of such partnerships for the long-term benefit of the sport. The integration of a regulated predictions market like Kalshi signifies a new era for fan participation in professional pickleball, allowing enthusiasts across the nation to actively engage in predicting and trading on the outcomes of their favourite events, thereby enhancing the excitement and investment in the sport.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The UPA's exclusive partnership with Kalshi is a watershed moment for professional pickleball, catapulting the sport into the realm of legal trading and predictions across the United States. This move not only taps into a significant market of engaged fans but also legitimises professional pickleball within the broader sports entertainment industry. By aligning with a CFTC-regulated platform, the UPA demonstrates a commitment to transparency and structured engagement, mitigating the risks often associated with unregulated betting. This innovative approach to fan interaction, particularly its integration with Robinhood, could significantly boost viewership, sponsorships, and overall investment in the sport, setting a new precedent for how emerging professional leagues can deepen their connection with their audience and secure their future growth.