Kalshi locked down a partnership with Baller League USA this week, becoming the league’s Official Trading Partner. The prediction marketplace will appear on all team jerseys as the front-of-shirt sponsor.
Baller League USA called Kalshi “the world’s largest prediction market” in announcing the deal. The league said the partnership represents “a major step” toward creating more interactive experiences for fans.
But Kalshi’s also fighting legal battles. Judge Andrew Gordon handles the operator’s Nevada case in the US District Court for the District of Nevada, and he’s not making things easy for the company.
Why Nevada’s Decision Matters
The partnership gives Kalshi direct access to Baller League’s audience through multiple channels. Live market integrations will run across every broadcast. The company gets branded activations inside stadiums too.
Kalshi’s facing serious regulatory pressure though. Nevada regulators want to shut down the operator’s activities in the state.
A stay would’ve blocked them from issuing a cease-and-desist order. Judge Gordon denied that stay request. Kalshi’s lawyers thought it would sail through since Nevada supposedly wouldn’t object. State regulators pushed back hard. They argued Kalshi “has not met the prerequisites for that relief.”
What Happened in Court
The Baller League deal includes broadcasting rights for every game through Kalshi’s direct media channels. That’s significant reach for a prediction marketplace trying to build its brand.
Judge Gordon made another move in November. He dissolved Kalshi’s preliminary injunction that let the company operate in Nevada during the trial.
Now Kalshi needs to file an emergency motion with the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit if it wants to keep doing business in Nevada. But enforcement action isn’t expected soon, which gives the operator some breathing room.
How This Affects Kalshi’s Operations
The Nevada ruling creates uncertainty for Kalshi’s expansion plans. The company’s also waiting on New Jersey’s Appeals Court to rule on a separate preliminary injunction case.
New Jersey regulators filed that appeal in the Third Circuit Court back in May. No decision yet.
Maryland’s piling on too. Attorney General Anthony Brown issued a statement on December 16 about Kalshi’s appeal against the US District Court for the District of Maryland. Brown thinks the Court’s October denial “should be affirmed.”
So Kalshi’s juggling multiple legal fights while trying to grow its business through partnerships like Baller League USA. The company secured valuable exposure through the jersey deal and broadcasting rights. But regulatory battles in three states could limit where it actually operates.
The operator managed to land a high-profile partnership right when it needs positive news. Whether that momentum carries through depends on how courts in Nevada, New Jersey and Maryland ultimately rule.
