Eagles RB: NFL Rules Forced Sale of Polymarket Stake

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley says league gambling rules forced him to sell his equity stake in prediction market Polymarket. He disclosed the move in a Wednesday interview with Front Office Sports. Barkley explained that the NFL informs players each season which endorsements and investments are permitted. He noted that prediction markets are no longer on the approved list. "I was in it before, but no bueno," Barkley said.

An NFL Players Association spokesperson previously clarified the policy for the same outlet. The league views prediction markets as gambling entities. Consequently, players cannot serve as endorsers or brand ambassadors for companies like Kalshi or Polymarket under the existing gambling policy.

Barkley is known for investing in technology startups. A 2025 report by The Profile stated he invested more than $500,000 in various ventures. The list included Anthropic, Anduril, Ramp, Cognition, Neuralink, Strike, and Polymarket.

The NFL's strict stance contrasts with other major American sports leagues. The NBA, Major League Baseball, the NHL, and MLS all have agreements with Kalshi, Polymarket, or both. The NFL is also litigating the issue. Earlier this month, the league asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review whether sports-event contracts fall under state gambling regulators' authority.

A league source told ESPN's David Purdum that the NFL seeks quick clarity from the court. The source said the league would accept a federal framework if it mirrored state regulatory approaches.