LeBron James Criticized Over Polymarket Sponsorship Deal
Fans slam the 76ers star for becoming Polymarket's first sports ambassador, calling the football-only campaign a loophole around NBA betting rules.
LeBron James is facing criticism on social media over a new sponsorship deal with Polymarket, the decentralised prediction platform, announced in early September 2026.
The 41-year-old, who signed with the 76ers this off-season, becomes Polymarket's first sports ambassador. Critics argue that a billionaire with his reach among young fans has no need to push betting and crypto, and several posts accused him of greed and of being out of touch.
NBA rules bar players from advertising bets on basketball, so the campaign is built entirely around football. Fans have called that a loophole to bypass league rules while still cashing in.
About this article
Prepared by the editorial team with the help of algorithms, based on the sources listed