NFL Investment Rules: Saquon Barkley Exits Polymarket Portfolio

The National Football League has tightened its financial boundaries for athletes, forcing stars to separate their personal investments from their on-field careers. Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley recently relinquished his equity stake in Polymarket to comply with these updated guidelines.

Barkley confirmed the details in a Wednesday interview with Front Office Sports. He explained that the league communicates specific investment prohibitions to players before each season begins. Under the current policy, involvement with prediction markets is no longer permitted. "I was in it before, but no bueno," Barkley said.

An NFL Players Association spokesperson previously clarified the league's stance this year. The union stated that the NFL views prediction markets as gambling entities. Consequently, players cannot serve as endorsers or brand ambassadors for firms like Kalshi or Polymarket.

Barkley has maintained an active portfolio of startup investments. A 2025 report from The Profile indicated he invested upwards of $500,000 in several ventures. These companies included Anthropic, Anduril, Ramp, Cognition, Neuralink, and Strike.

The NFL's restrictive approach contrasts with other major American sports leagues. The NBA, Major League Baseball, the NHL, and MLS all maintain agreements with Kalshi, Polymarket, or both.

The league is also seeking legal clarification on the matter. Earlier this month, the NFL petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to review whether sports-event contracts fall under state gambling regulator authority. A league source told ESPN's David Purdum that the NFL wants the court to provide a federal framework quickly. That framework would need to mirror the regulatory approach currently used by states.