Barkley sells Polymarket shares to meet new NFL gambling restrictions

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley sold his equity stake in Polymarket to comply with new league regulations. He disclosed the move in an interview with Front Office Sports published on Wednesday.

Barkley stated that the NFL informs players each season about permissible investments and endorsements. Under the current policy, involvement with prediction markets is prohibited. "I was in it before, but no bueno," Barkley said.

An NFL Players Association spokesperson spoke earlier this year about the league's stance. The association views prediction markets as gambling entities. Consequently, players cannot serve as endorsers or brand ambassadors for companies such as Polymarket or Kalshi.

Barkley has invested heavily in startups away from the field. A 2025 report by The Profile indicated he placed over $500,000 into several firms. Those companies included Anthropic, Anduril, Ramp, Cognition, Neuralink, Strike, and Polymarket.

The NFL's position distinguishes it from other major American sports leagues. The NBA, Major League Baseball, the NHL, and MLS all hold agreements with Kalshi, Polymarket, or both.

The league is also seeking judicial clarity. The NFL asked the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this month to review if sports-event contracts fall under state gambling regulators. A league source told ESPN's David Purdum that the NFL wants a quick ruling. The league would accept a federal framework if it mirrors state regulatory approaches.