Prediction Platform Kalshi Teams With CNN & CNBC As Polymarket Eyes US Relaunch

Two prediction market heavyweights are making moves that could reshape how Wall Street—and Main Street—places its bets.

Kalshi, the federally regulated platform, just locked in partnerships with media titans CNN and CNBC. The deals aim to bring event-based trading directly to a massive audience of news consumers. Think election odds and economic indicators served with your morning headlines.

Meanwhile, crypto-native rival Polymarket is staging a comeback on U.S. soil. After regulatory skirmishes forced a retreat, the platform is relaunching for American users with a sharpened focus on compliance. It's a bold play to reclaim territory in a market that's been notoriously hostile to decentralized prediction platforms.

This isn't just about gambling on news. It's a direct challenge to traditional financial instruments and polling. Why wait for a quarterly earnings report or a pollster's call when you can trade the sentiment in real-time? These platforms turn the world's uncertainty into a tangible market—and potentially, a profitable one.

For the crypto crowd, it's a familiar story: build something disruptive, get pushed out, then find a way back in through the front door. The race is on to see which model—Kalshi's regulated, media-backed approach or Polymarket's agile, crypto-infused reboot—will capture America's appetite for forecasting the future. Just don't expect your traditional financial advisor to recommend it anytime soon; they're still trying to figure out their own fees.

TLDR

• Kalshi signed data-sharing deals with both CNN and CNBC for on-air predictions.
• Kalshi reported $4.54B in trading volume in November alone.
• Polymarket now offers a CFTC-compliant US app for sports prediction markets.
• Kalshi’s valuation hit $11B after a $1B funding round.

Kalshi is reshaping how major news outlets report on unfolding events, securing deals with both CNN and CNBC to provide real-time prediction data starting in 2026. As its influence grows, rival platform Polymarket is making a comeback in the U.S. with a newly approved mobile app offering federally regulated sports event markets. Together, both platforms are accelerating the integration of predictive analytics into mainstream media and finance coverage.

Kalshi Expands with CNN and CNBC Partnerships

Kalshi has entered agreements with two major news networks—CNN and CNBC—to provide real-time prediction data starting in 2026. The partnerships will allow both broadcasters to incorporate Kalshi’s event-based probabilities into news segments and digital platforms.

CNN named Kalshi its official prediction market provider. The data will be used to support coverage across elections, the economy, and public events. CNN’s chief data analyst, Harry Enten, will lead on-air integration. Meanwhile, CNBC will display Kalshi insights on shows like Squawk Box and Fast Money, along with a dedicated ticker and market pages hosted on Kalshi’s site.

“Prediction markets are rapidly shaping how investors and business leaders think about important events,” said CNBC President KC Sullivan. He added that Kalshi’s data will help their team interpret and explain fast-changing news more effectively.

Strong Trading Volume and New Crypto Features

In November, Kalshi recorded $4.54 billion in total trading volume. Weekly activity exceeded $1 billion for the first time, marking a record month for the prediction market platform. The company also completed a funding round of $1 billion, increasing its total valuation to $11 billion.

As part of its platform expansion, Kalshi has launched tokenized versions of its event contracts on the solana blockchain. These tokens can be traded and stored in standard crypto wallets. This move enables users to interact with prediction markets through decentralized platforms.

The platform has faced scrutiny over claims of market manipulation. Kalshi’s founder publicly rejected the allegations and stated that the company remains compliant with all regulations.

Polymarket Returns with CFTC-Approved US Platform

Polymarket has re-entered the US market after regulatory restrictions forced it offshore in 2022. The company launched its first mobile app in the US for real-money markets on sports events, operating under federal guidelines after receiving clearance from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

The app rollout will begin with a waitlist for select US users and is currently available for iOS. Android support is planned. Polymarket starts with sports contracts to help build initial user engagement and trading liquidity.

A post from the company on X confirmed the phased release. It also noted that broader market categories—including elections and policy—will be added over time, pending regulatory approval.

New Structure Enables Regulated Trading in the US

Polymarket’s return was made possible through a no-action letter issued by the CFTC three months ago. The approval followed its acquisition of a crypto derivatives exchange and clearinghouse. This structure allows Polymarket to operate within an intermediated model that aligns with federal regulations for derivatives markets.

The company now functions more like a commodity-style exchange than a direct betting site. All contracts are issued and traded under oversight to comply with existing financial laws.

With Kalshi gaining traction in the media space and Polymarket resuming operations in the U.S., regulated prediction markets continue to evolve across both traditional and crypto-driven ecosystems.