SAN ANTONIO, Texas — San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama said Thursday that he would not endorse sports betting or prediction-market companies, citing his desire to use his influence to promote causes that have a positive impact.
“Absolutely not,” Wembanyama said when reporters asked whether he would endorse a betting or prediction business during Spurs training camp.
Wembanyama also criticized the growing presence of betting promotions among professional athletes.
“Honestly, I think it’s very sad to see some players promote it,” he said.
Sports betting and prediction markets have become increasingly visible across major U.S. sports. NBA players including LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo have signed endorsement deals with prediction-market companies Polymarket and Kalshi, respectively.
Wembanyama said he has rejected lucrative opportunities when they did not align with his values.
“I’ve refused plenty — much, much more money than I’ve made — for things that were not to my values,” he said. “Now I want to promote things that have a good impact, a good influence.”
Wembanyama’s decision comes as prediction markets continue to operate alongside traditional sports betting platforms in the United States. Texas prohibits traditional online and retail sportsbooks, including DraftKings, FanDuel and BetMGM, while prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket operate under federal regulation.
Prediction markets allow users to buy and sell contracts tied to the expected outcomes of future events. The contracts’ values change as market participants adjust their expectations.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission regulates prediction markets at the federal level, while state gaming regulators oversee traditional sportsbooks.
Texas lawmakers have also considered legalizing sports betting. House Joint Resolution 134, filed during the 2025 legislative session, sought a constitutional amendment that would have allowed sports betting in the state but did not advance out of committee.
Because the Texas Legislature meets in regular session only in odd-numbered years, lawmakers could consider sports betting legislation again in 2027.
Wembanyama, meanwhile, recently agreed to a five-year contract extension with the Spurs that could exceed $250 million, according to the Associated Press.