Barkley Sells Polymarket Stake After NFL Bets On Restriction
The Eagles running back exited the prediction market firm to meet league rules that now classify such platforms as gambling entities.
By Luka Tanaka ·
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley sold his equity stake in Polymarket this week.
Barkley told Front Office Sports that the NFL requires players to divest from gambling or prediction-market companies before each season.
The league communicates these restrictions to athletes annually, specifying which endorsements and investments are permitted.
"I was in it before, but no bueno," Barkley said regarding his prior involvement with the platform.
An NFL Players Association spokesperson noted earlier this year that the league views prediction markets as gambling entities.
Under this policy, players cannot serve as endorsers or brand ambassadors for firms like Kalshi or Polymarket.
Barkley has invested heavily in startups outside of football.
A 2025 report by The Profile indicated he allocated over $500,000 to companies including Anthropic, Anduril, Ramp, Cognition, Neuralink, Strike, and Polymarket.
The NFL's stance contrasts with other major American sports leagues.
The NBA, Major League Baseball, the NHL, and MLS all hold agreements with Kalshi, Polymarket, or both.
The NFL is also seeking legal clarity on these rules.
Earlier this month, the league asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review whether sports-event contracts fall under state gambling regulators' authority.
Source: ESPN
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