NBA commissioner Adam Silver addressed the recent controversy surrounding Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo’s investment in prediction market platform Kalshi, saying the stake is minimal and does not violate league rules.
The topic surfaced during All-Star Weekend, where Silver was asked about Antetokounmpo’s involvement in the company. The two-time MVP recently revealed that he had invested in Kalshi, a platform that allows users to trade on real-world event outcomes. The announcement quickly drew attention, particularly because the NBA has tightened its policies around gambling and betting-related activities.
Adam Silver says investment is “minuscule”
According to Silver, the league is aware of Antetokounmpo’s financial involvement but does not currently view it as a violation.
“From what I know, it’s a minuscule investment, much smaller than one percent,” Silver said. “That does not violate the rules that have collectively bargained with the players’ association.”
Silver added that while the specific investment may not be an issue, the broader landscape of prediction markets is something the league is monitoring closely.
“Obviously, it’s an issue I’m paying an enormous amount of attention to. It’s rapidly evolving. We are currently looking at prediction markets essentially in the same way we’re looking at sports betting,” he said.
All of y’all who were slandering Adam Silver stay on that side btch pic.twitter.com/k1eTPC4IEJ
— 🕸️ (@30_Dynasty) February 16, 2026
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s recent headlines lead to investment news
Antetokounmpo had already been a major topic of discussion in the weeks leading up to All-Star Weekend. Trade speculation surrounding the Bucks star circulated heavily before reports emerged that he was expected to remain in Milwaukee.
After those reports surfaced, Antetokounmpo celebrated on social media, suggesting he was pleased to stay with the franchise. Shortly afterward, he revealed his investment in Kalshi, bringing new attention to the platform and its connection to the NBA.
The investment raised questions among fans and analysts because of the league’s stricter stance on gambling, especially after several recent betting-related investigations across professional sports.
Adam Silver really ruined the all star game even more #NBAAllStar2025 pic.twitter.com/zg9sCZDdef
— 𝙆𝙞𝙧𝙖 (@Kirabetta23) February 17, 2025
NBA monitoring prediction markets as industry evolves
Although Kalshi is not officially classified as a sports betting platform, prediction markets operate in a similar space by allowing users to trade contracts based on real-world outcomes. That overlap has prompted leagues, including the NBA, to keep a close watch on how such platforms develop.
Silver’s comments suggest the league is not planning immediate action regarding Antetokounmpo’s investment, but it is actively evaluating the role of prediction markets in professional sports.
The commissioner indicated that the issue remains under review as the landscape continues to change, leaving open the possibility of future policy adjustments if the market grows or if player involvement increases.
For now, the league views Antetokounmpo’s stake as too small to trigger disciplinary action, but the situation highlights how closely the NBA is tracking new forms of betting and prediction-based platforms.
