CME · Earnings call · 2026Q3T · Full report
Sports Futures Product Launch
CME GROUP INC. · 2026-10-21 · Importance 31 · Surprise 42
CME launched NHL FutureSports indices and related futures in partnership with FutureSports, based on statistical team performance and designed in accordance with IOSCO principles. Management said the products are intended to provide transparent, real-time prices and risk-management tools for the U.S. sports industry, rather than sports betting. It cited a reported U.S. sports value of $650 billion annually and described unmet hedging needs related to venue operations and team performance. CME was also developing individual-sized contracts and working with retail partners to broaden access; management characterized the launch as early-stage.
Key facts
- CME Group was working on individual-sized sports contracts and with retail partners to enable smaller participants to access and hedge in the markets.
- CME Group said its NHL FutureSports indices were based on teams' statistical performance and indexed in accordance with IOSCO principles and guidelines.
- CME Group cited an estimated U.S. sports value of $650 billion per year and said the industry had unmet needs to hedge risks related to venue operations and team performance.