Barkley sells Polymarket stake after NFL rule change

Major professional sports leagues have traditionally kept players away from gambling companies to protect the integrity of their games. On Tuesday, the NFL clarified that rule for active athletes by requiring them to exit any financial ties with prediction market platforms.

Saquon Barkley, the Philadelphia Eagles running back, confirmed he was directed to sell his equity stake in Polymarket. The three-time Pro Bowler told Front Office Sports that the league no longer allows players to invest in or endorse such companies. Barkley described his previous involvement with a short phrase: "I was in it before, but no bueno."

Barkley is currently playing through an injury that has kept him out of two games this season. He remains listed as questionable for Sunday night's match against the Washington Commanders. In Week 7, Barkley rushed for a touchdown in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys and has accumulated 244 rushing yards on the year. The Eagles enter Week 8 with a 2-5 record.

The trade deadline for the NFL is next month. With quarterback Jalen Hurts out for the remainder of the season, speculation has grown that the Eagles might move Barkley to another team. Barkley's financial exit from Polymarket coincides with this period of roster uncertainty.

Other major US sports leagues have different relationships with these platforms. The NBA, Major League Baseball, the NHL, and MLS all have agreements with either Kalshi or Polymarket. LeBron James of the Philadelphia 76ers serves as a paid endorser for Polymarket with a reported annual salary of $15 million. He recently appeared in a commercial featuring cameos by Derek Jeter, Eli Manning, and Sue Bird.

Prediction markets allow users to trade on the outcomes of future events. Sports questions make up a large share of the trading volume on these sites. The platforms typically offer yes-or-no contracts on specific game results or player performances.