WASHINGTON, May 21, 2026 — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the National Hockey League said Thursday they had signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a framework for information sharing and cooperation related to professional hockey and associated event contract markets.
Under the agreement, the CFTC and NHL will coordinate on matters tied to professional hockey and “event contract markets related thereto,” according to the memorandum. The parties designated representatives who will communicate regularly, share information confidentially, and maintain open lines of communication concerning market integrity and oversight issues.
“I’m proud the CFTC and NHL have officially signed an MOU, furthering the agency’s commitment to improve data sharing between professional sports leagues and the Commission,” CFTC Chairman Michael S. Selig said in a statement.
Selig said the agreement represented “another step toward safeguarding the integrity of sports and protecting market participants in prediction markets from insider trading, fraud, and other abuses.”
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said the agreement strengthened the league’s existing monitoring systems and enhanced its ability to identify, deter and address potential risks tied to related markets.
Event-contract market oversight
The memorandum states that the CFTC and NHL intend to cooperate and exchange information concerning “the integrity of professional hockey and the event contract markets related thereto.”
According to the agreement, the parties may share information regarding risks affecting professional hockey and related event-contract markets, with cooperation expected to occur primarily through informal consultations and ongoing coordination between designated representatives.
The document states that the CFTC may use information received from the NHL in connection with its statutory responsibilities under the Commodity Exchange Act, including promoting “the integrity, resilience, and vibrancy” of event-contract markets.
Information-sharing and confidentiality framework
The agreement establishes confidentiality protections governing information shared between the parties, including procedures related to disclosure requests, subpoenas and legal demands for records.
Under the memorandum, information exchanged pursuant to the agreement will remain the record of the providing party and may not be disclosed without consent unless otherwise required by law.
The memorandum also states that the NHL may use information received from the CFTC solely in connection with protecting the integrity of professional hockey and maintaining public confidence in the league.
Prediction-market oversight
The agreement comes as the CFTC continues developing its oversight approach for prediction markets and event contracts traded on regulated derivatives exchanges, including contracts tied to sports outcomes.
The memorandum takes effect upon signature and remains effective unless terminated by either party with 30 days’ written notice.
