Kalshi Expands US Prediction Market with Massive Tennis and Football Deal

The landscape of prediction markets in the United States is undergoing a significant transformation. Kalshi has announced a multi-year exclusive partnership with Catalist Sports, aimed at broadening the sports-related event contracts available to its users. This agreement provides Kalshi with exclusive access within the US prediction market sector to Catalist Sports' live streaming portfolio and official low-latency data. These tools are crucial for creating, managing, and settling contracts based on real-world sports outcomes.

By integrating official data, Kalshi is positioning itself as a high-integrity alternative to offshore or unregulated platforms. The inclusion of live video feeds directly into the trading interface is expected to enhance the user experience by allowing participants to monitor their positions in real-time. This strategy reflects a broader trend in the iGaming and fintech industries where the speed and accuracy of information are paramount.

Numbers and facts

The scale of the deal is substantial. Kalshi will now feature live streams and official data for more than 65,000 tennis matches each year from the World Tennis Tour. This also includes premium events like the Australian Open and the Davis Cup. Furthermore, the partnership extends to international football, covering France’s Ligue 1 and Brazil’s Série A. Other sports included in the portfolio are basketball and ice hockey, ensuring a diverse range of events for market participants.

James Monk, Vice President and General Manager of Catalist Sports, emphasized the strategic importance of this collaboration. He noted that prediction markets are becoming a vital new distribution channel for premium sports content, helping leagues reach a wider audience in the US.

"By offering Kalshi exclusive U.S. prediction market access to our live streaming portfolio, we’re creating new value for our rights-holder partners while helping deliver a richer, more trusted fan experience." - James Monk, Vice President at Catalist Sports

Background

Unlike traditional sportsbooks, Kalshi operates as an exchange where users trade contracts on the probability of events. This requires highly reliable data to ensure fair settlements. Arjun Sawai from Kalshi pointed out that Catalist Sports is their first sports streaming partner. He stated that access to premium official content is essential to building a best-in-class prediction market. This move reinforces Kalshi’s commitment to delivering regulated markets built on the most reliable sports content available.

This expansion comes at a time when US audiences are increasingly looking for sophisticated ways to engage with sports beyond simple win-loss bets. The use of official data helps mitigate risks associated with data scraping or delayed feeds, which can lead to disputes in financial markets.

Why it matters for German players

For players in Germany, the Kalshi-Catalist deal is a reminder of the differences between international markets and the strictly regulated German domestic market. In Germany, any form of sports-related betting or trading must comply with the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). Only operators listed on the GGL (Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder) whitelist are permitted to offer their services to German residents. Prediction markets like Kalshi, while popular in the US, do not currently hold a German license.

German regulations focus heavily on player protection, including a cross-operator deposit limit of 1,000 Euros per month and the LUGAS monitoring system. Additionally, online slots are restricted to a 1 Euro stake per spin. These rules are designed to prevent gambling addiction, a concern that is handled differently in the US prediction market sector. German users should always verify a provider's license status before engaging in any real-money activities.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

Licensed German operators can take inspiration from the US market's focus on official data. The integration of high-quality, official streams is a proven way to increase trust and combat the black market. While German providers are bound by strict advertising and stake limits, the use of official rights for data and streaming remains a key differentiator for legal platforms. As international markets like the US evolve, the GGL continues to ensure that the German market remains one of the safest environments for players worldwide.