The unions representing players from the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, and MLS are urging the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to prohibit prediction market platforms from offering bets on a player's underperformance or injury. In a joint statement, the unions argued that such wagers—commonly known as "unders"—pose a direct threat to player safety and the integrity of professional sports.
"Betting on whether a player will score fewer points, make fewer assists, or even suffer an injury crosses a line," the statement read. "These markets incentivize bad actors to target athletes, putting them at risk of harassment or worse."
The call to action follows a surge in popularity of prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi, which allow users to bet on a wide range of outcomes, including individual player statistics. The unions contend that while betting on team results or outright winners may be acceptable, personal performance bets open the door to manipulation and abuse.
"An athlete's health and performance should never be a gambling chip," said a spokesperson for the NBA Players Association. "We're asking the CFTC to step in before this becomes a crisis."
The CFTC has not yet publicly responded, but the issue is expected to be debated in upcoming regulatory hearings.