Fanatics Jumps Into Prediction Markets With Help From Crypto.com
What Is Fanatics Building—and Why Partner With Crypto.com?
Fanatics is entering the quick-growing prediction markets sector through a new platform called Fanatics Markets, developed in partnership with Crypto.com. The company, known for its sports merchandise and collectibles empire, is adding a market where users can trade contracts tied to real-world outcomes—a model popularized by Kalshi and Polymarket.
Fanatics Markets will roll out in two phases. The first phase, live today, includes , finance, economics and politics. The second phase is scheduled for ahead next year and will expand into crypto, IPOs, climate, pop culture, tech and AI, movies and music.
Crypto.com was the first to , and our reach continues to grow through innovative partnerships with top-tier platforms such as Fanatics,” said Travis McGhee, head of predictions at Crypto.com. “We could not be more proud to be the partner of choice for Fanatics, and together we will provide fans with a secure and compliant way to access prediction markets.”
The partnership gives Fanatics immediate technical and regulatory infrastructure. Crypto.com’s North America derivatives arm, CDNA, is registered with the as both an platform and clearinghouse, allowing the app to operate under a U.S. framework that remains restrictive for most crypto-native prediction platforms.
Investor Takeaway
How quick Is the Prediction Markets Sector Growing?
The launch comes during one of the busiest periods the sector has viewn. November was the strongest month ever for Kalshi and Polymarket, which together handled nahead $10 billion in trading volume. Polymarket also began rolling out access to U.S. users this week, a major step for a platform that had previously operated mainly offshore.
its footprint as well, signing partnerships with reality Social and MyPrize, among others. Fanatics adds a mainstream consumer brand with a massive existing user base, national licensing relationships and a sizable gaming division.
Fanatics generated $8.1 billion in revenue in 2024—a 15% increase from the year before. Its collectibles, gaming and ticketing businesses already sit alongside its apparel division. Prediction markets add another layer to that ecosystem, creating a new entry point for sports fans who may not regularly use crypto apps.
Where Will Fanatics Markets Launch First?
The platform will initially be available in Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Utah. Fanatics said additional states will follow as regulatory approvals are secured. Running the platform through CDNA allows Fanatics Markets to operate within existing CFTC rules, avoiding many of the enforcement issues that have challenged other prediction platforms.
“For years, Fanatics has given fans new ways to enhance their fandom through team merchandise, collectibles, tickets, gaming, events and more,” said Matt King, CEO of Fanatics Betting and Gaming. “Now, with Fanatics Markets, we’re giving fans a secure, intuitive and rewarding way to engage with the moments that move sports and culture, and to pick a side and profit along the way if their prediction is correct.”
Fanatics Markets will cover sports first, followed by sectors where retail interest is already strong—crypto price forecasts, election outcomes, major tech announcements, climate indicators and pop-culture events. The model closely mirrors the contract style used by Kalshi and Polymarket, but with a built-in bridge to the Fanatics sports ecosystem.
Investor Takeaway
What Comes Next for Fanatics and Prediction Markets?
Prediction markets are entering a phase where crypto firms, and mainstream consumer brands are competing for the identical audience. Fanatics brings brand recognition, licenses with major sports leagues and substantial marketing reach. Crypto.com supplies the regulatory and settlement rails through CDNA.
If Fanatics Markets gains traction, it could accelerate the shift from niche crypto platforms toward broader consumer prediction products. With more states expected to open, and with other large companies evaluating similar products, the sector is moving beyond ahead adopters and into the hands of well-funded corporate players.
The next several months will test whether prediction markets can scale inside the U.S. under a compliant structure—and whether mainstream sports fans adopt them at the rate Fanatics expects.
