Best Sports Prediction Markets in the US for 2026

Best Sports Prediction Market Sites in the US

Sports prediction platforms can differ significantly in their market selection, fees, trading features, and live sports coverage.

Some provide thousands of contracts across major US and international sports. Others focus on specific markets or a simpler trading experience.

Our comparison highlights what Polymarket, Underdog, OG Markets, ProphetX, and Novig offer sports traders.

What Sports Can You Trade on Prediction Markets?

Sports prediction markets cover many of the same leagues and competitions followed by US sports fans.

Football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, tennis, golf, and MMA are widely represented. Some platforms also cover esports, motorsports, and other international competitions.

The exact selection varies by platform and season. For example, current US platforms offer markets across leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and major college sports.

Market availability can change throughout the year. Always check the individual platform for its current sports and contracts.

Types of Sports Prediction Markets

Sports prediction markets aren't limited to choosing which team will win.

Depending on the platform and sport, you can trade contracts covering scores, winning margins, player performances, and season-long outcomes.

Game Winner Markets

Game winner markets ask which team or player will win a specific event.

For example, an NFL contract could ask whether the Chiefs will beat the Bills. Tennis markets can ask which player will win a particular match.

Soccer markets may also include a draw as a possible outcome.

Spread and Margin Markets

Spread markets focus on the margin between the teams rather than only the winner.

For example, a contract could ask whether a football team will win by more than seven points.

These markets allow you to trade on how close or one-sided you expect a game to be.

Totals Markets

Totals contracts focus on how many points, goals, or runs will be scored.

A basketball market could ask whether both teams will combine for more than 220 points.

The outcome depends on whether the final total finishes above or below the stated number.

Player Performance Markets

Player performance markets focus on an individual athlete rather than the final result.

Contracts can cover statistics such as passing yards, points, goals, or other measurable performances.

The available statistics depend on the sport and platform. Current platforms also offer player-based contracts for sports such as football.

Futures and Championship Markets

Futures cover outcomes that will be decided later in a season or tournament.

You could trade on which team will win the championship or which player will win a tournament.

These contracts may remain available for weeks or months before settlement. Current platforms offer futures across major sports, including football, baseball, basketball, tennis, and golf.

Awards and Season Markets

Some sports prediction markets cover awards and other season-long achievements.

Examples can include MVP awards, season win totals, playoff qualification, or conference and division winners.

These markets allow you to trade on season outcomes without focusing on one individual game.

How Sports Prediction Markets Work

Sports prediction markets turn measurable sporting outcomes into event contracts that you can buy and sell.

For example, a contract could ask:

Will Team A win tonight's game?

If Yes trades at 60¢, the market broadly implies a 60% probability of Team A winning.

You can buy the position you expect to occur. Contract prices can then rise or fall as participants trade and new information becomes available.

Where supported, you can sell your position before the event ends. Otherwise, you can hold the contract until settlement.

Winning contracts commonly settle at $1, while losing contracts settle at $0. Exact pricing and settlement rules vary by platform.

Sports contracts can cover game winners, spreads, totals, player performances, futures, and other measurable outcomes.

Sports Prediction Markets vs Sportsbooks

Sports prediction markets and sportsbooks both let you take positions on sporting outcomes, but they use different products and pricing models.

The biggest difference is that prediction markets let you trade event contracts at available market prices. Sportsbooks accept wagers at the odds they offer.

Our sports prediction markets vs sportsbooks guide explains the differences in pricing, fees, trading, live markets, and regulation in more detail.

Live Sports Prediction Markets

Live sports prediction markets let you trade certain event contracts after a game or sporting event has started.

Contract prices can move throughout the event as the underlying situation changes. Where supported, you can enter new positions or sell contracts you already hold.

Live functionality differs significantly between prediction-market platforms.

Liquidity is particularly important during live trading. Limited activity can make it harder to enter or exit at your preferred price.

Markets may also be temporarily suspended after touchdowns, goals, injuries, or other significant events while prices adjust.

The underlying sporting event being live does not guarantee that every related contract remains continuously available for trading.

Several Sports Prediction Markets Offer Bonuses or Promotions for New Users.

Offers can include trading credits, deposit matches, or rewards for completing a qualifying trade. The requirements and value differ between platforms.

Here are the current offers available from our featured sports prediction markets.

Bonus funds and Trade Credits may have restrictions before they can be withdrawn. Check the full promotion terms before claiming an offer.

How We Rank Sports Prediction Market Sites

We assess sports prediction markets using criteria that directly affect the trading experience.

Our rankings consider sports coverage, market selection, liquidity, costs, live trading, usability, security, and payments.

Sports and League Coverage

We look at how many sports, leagues, and competitions each platform covers.

Major leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL are important. We also consider college sports, soccer, tennis, golf, MMA, and other competitions.

Market Variety

Having many sports does not always mean there are many ways to trade them.

We look for game winners, spreads, totals, player performance markets, futures, and other sports contracts.

Liquidity and Trading Activity

Liquidity affects how easily you can enter or exit a position at an available price.

We consider trading activity alongside the number of listed markets. Hundreds of inactive contracts do not necessarily provide a better experience.

Fees and Pricing

Trading costs can reduce your potential return.

We review applicable trading fees and how clearly each platform explains its pricing. We also consider spreads and other costs that can affect a trade.

Live Trading

Live markets let you take positions after a sporting event has started.

We assess the range of live contracts and how quickly prices update. We also consider how easily you can manage open positions during games.

Mobile Experience

Sports markets can move quickly, making mobile access particularly useful.

We test how easy it is to find markets, place trades, track prices, and manage positions. Native iOS and Android apps are also considered where available.

Regulation, Security and KYC

We review each platform's regulatory status and measures used to protect user accounts.

We also consider identity verification, eligibility requirements, account controls, and other KYC procedures.

Payments and Withdrawals

We compare the methods available for funding your account and withdrawing money.

Our assessment considers minimum amounts, processing times, fees, and payment restrictions. We also check whether platforms support convenient methods for US users.

How to Choose a Sports Prediction Market

The best sports prediction market depends on which sports you follow and how you want to trade.

1. Start by checking the available leagues and competitions. Some platforms focus heavily on major US sports, while others include more international events.
2. Next, compare the types of contracts available. Look for game winners, spreads, totals, player performance markets, futures, and live markets.
3. Liquidity is also important. More trading activity can make it easier to enter or exit positions at available prices.
4. Check each platform's fees and understand how they are calculated. Frequent traders should pay particular attention to transaction costs.
5. You should also compare live trading, mobile features, payment methods, and withdrawal options.
6. Finally, confirm that the platform and its sports contracts are available in your location. Review its regulatory status and eligibility requirements before creating an account.

Sports Prediction Market Fees Explained

Sports prediction markets can charge fees when you buy or sell contracts.

The exact structure depends on the platform. Some charge transaction fees, while others calculate fees using the contract price or potential profit.

Certain platforms may also offer fee-free trades for specific market types.

Trading costs are not the only factor to consider. The difference between available buying and selling prices can also affect your potential return.

Payment fees may apply when depositing or withdrawing funds. These costs depend on the platform and payment method.

Always check the current fee schedule before trading. A platform with lower fees may be more suitable if you plan to trade frequently.

Are Sports Prediction Markets Legal in the US?

Regulatory information last reviewed: September 2026.

Sports prediction markets operate under a different regulatory framework from traditional US sportsbooks.

Federally regulated event contracts can be offered through exchanges registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The CFTC currently maintains that it has exclusive jurisdiction over these federally regulated prediction markets.

Sports event contracts remain a disputed area of US law.

Several states have challenged these products under their gambling laws. The CFTC has responded with federal lawsuits defending its authority over registered prediction markets.

The CFTC is also developing rules for event contracts involving activities such as sports and gaming.

This means availability can depend on the platform, contract, and your location.

Sports contracts continue to be listed by CFTC-registered markets in 2026. However, ongoing court cases and regulatory changes could affect future availability.

Always check the platform's current eligibility requirements before trading sports event contracts.

How to Get Started With Sports Prediction Markets

Getting started usually requires opening an account, verifying your identity, and funding your balance.

1. Compare platforms: Review sports coverage, markets, fees, liquidity, and trading features.
2. Check availability: Confirm the platform and its sports contracts are available in your location.
3. Create an account: Register using the information requested by the platform.
4. Complete verification: Provide the required information or documents to complete the KYC process.
5. Fund your account: Deposit using one of the available payment methods.
6. Choose a sport: Browse available leagues, games, tournaments, and other sporting events.
7. Select a market: Choose a winner, spread, total, player performance, future, or another available contract.
8. Read the rules: Check exactly how and when the contract will settle.
9. Choose your position: Review the current price and potential return before confirming your trade.
10. Monitor your trade: Follow price movements and sell where supported or hold until settlement.

Pros and Cons of Sports Prediction Markets

Sports prediction markets provide a different way to take a position on sporting outcomes.

Their trading model offers several advantages, but there are also risks and limitations to consider.

Prediction markets may appeal to users who prefer trading-style sports products and market-driven prices.

However, they are not automatically better than sportsbooks. Fees, liquidity, available markets, and trading features should all influence your choice.