Adam Silver addresses Giannis Antetokounmpo's stake in Kalshi

After decades of pushback, the NBA has embraced sports betting more than any other major sports league.

There have been several apparent conflicts of interest over the years, such as ESPN insider Shams Charania tweeting about potential draft picks while under an endorsement deal with a sportsbook.

That's why Giannis Antetokounmpo also caught some serious backlash after the trade deadline. He announced a partnership with prediction markets company Kalshi right after shockingly staying put after months of trade speculation. 

Those who "predicted" Giannis would be traded lost millions of dollars, all while Antetokounmpo profited from the platform. 

Even so, and despite an ongoing federal investigation over multiple gambling scandals, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver seemed unconcerned over Antetokounmpo's latest business endeavor.

Adam Silver says the NBA will look at prediction markets 

“In the case of Giannis, from what I understand, it’s a minuscule investment, much smaller than 1%, so that does not violate the rules that have been collectively bargained with the players association,” Silver said, per Front Office Sports. “Obviously, it’s an issue that I’m paying an enormous amount of attention to.”

The Commissioner added that the NBA would also take a close look at prediction markets, just like they're doing with sportsbooks:

“It’s rapidly evolving. We currently are looking at prediction markets essentially in the same way that we’re looking at sports betting,” Silver continued. 

Getting in bed with sportsbooks took a big toll on the league's reputation. The Commissioner is okay with players putting money into a business model tailor-made for insider trading and putting fans at financial risk.