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The Chicago Blackhawks announced a new partnership with Kalshi, making history. This is the first time an NHL team and a professional sports team in North America have partnered with a federally regulated prediction market platform.
The agreement, announcement Tuesday (December 23), kicks off this week. This includes shared use of logos and trademarks for co-marketing, social media collaborations and Kalshi signage inside the United Center and during broadcasts of Blackhawks games in the Chicago area. Illinois is already one of Kalshi’s top ten markets.
We are excited to be the official prediction market partner of the Chicago Blackhawks for their Centennial Season.
THE @NHLBlackhawks make history as the first professional sports team to partner with a prediction market
An unprecedented partnership with one of the biggest fanbases in sport pic.twitter.com/jTQQkBuhsS
-Kalshi (@Kalshi) December 23, 2025
Kalshi’s platform allows users to discuss the results of real-world events, including elections, economic indicators and cultural trends. The company says these markets are designed to help predict events with real economic and social impact.
The partnership follows Kalshi’s October one agreement with the National Hockey Leaguewhich gave the company access to official NHL data as well as the right to use the league’s logos and branding. The deal marks the first time a major U.S. sports league has licensed its data and brands to a company that identifies itself as a financial exchange rather than a gambling operator.
However, the distinction has drawn criticism from the Indian Gaming Association and tribal leaders across the country. They argue that prediction markets tied to sports scores raise legal and regulatory issues similar to sports betting, an area in which tribal governments have long held rights and covenants.
The Blackhawks are one of the NHL’s six original franchises and were founded in 1926. The team is currently celebrating its centennial season, which will conclude with its official 100th anniversary game in November 2026. Over the years, the Blackhawks have also been associated with several innovations in hockey, including the original goal horn and the curved stick.
Kalshi partners with Blackhawks to add “value to their fan experience”
“We are proud to share an innovative mindset with Kalshi,” said Matt Gray, Blackhawks executive vice president of revenue and strategy. “Prediction markets are changing the way fans interact with sports – moving from passive viewing to informed, engaged participation – and we’re excited to explore that with our fans during this centennial season.”
Adam Barrick, Kalshi’s head of sports partnerships, said the company saw the partnership as part of a wider expansion strategy. “The Blackhawks have a fan base like no other,” Barrick said. “We look forward to adding value to their fan experience as we continue to expand across sports, media and entertainment.”
Featured Image: Kalshi / Chicago Blackhawks
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