Sports FAQs

Frequently asked questions about trading sports Contracts on Polymarket US

General Rules

What kinds of markets are offered?

Polymarket US offers several types of sports Contracts:

Contract	What it covers	Example
Winner (w/o ties)	Which team/player wins a game	”Which team will win, Lakers vs Celtics?”
Winner (w/ ties)	Which team/player wins a game or match (where a draw is a standard outcome, as in soccer)	“Will Man City vs Arsenal end in a draw?”
Spread	Whether a team wins by a certain number of points in a game	”Will the Chiefs win by more than 7?”
Total	Whether the combined score for a game is over or under a threshold	”Will the total score in the Patriots vs the Chiefs be over 47.5?”
Future	Who will win a championship, award, or tournament	”Will the Lakers win the 2026 NBA Championship?”
Qualifier	Whether a team or player qualifies for an event	”Will Duke make the NCAA Tournament Final Four?”

How are markets settled?

All markets are settled using official results obtained through a hierarchy of source agencies. The primary source is the official governing body or sanctioning organization responsible for the event. If the primary source is unavailable, Polymarket US may reference secondary sources including official competition scorecards, referee or umpire reports, press releases, and results databases maintained by the governing body. If secondary sources are unavailable, Polymarket US may reference tertiary sources including the Associated Press, Reuters, ESPN, BBC Sport, official team and league websites, and major sports wire services or data providers. Settlement will be delayed if the official result is under review. If no official result is declared, the Contract settles at last fair market prices.

How do ties and draws work?

It depends on the Contract type:

• Winner (w/o tie): If the game ends in a tie with no winner declared, the Contract settles at $0.50.

Example: NFL game goes into overtime and during the overtime period no team scores. This would end in a tie and will result in a payout of 50c a Contract.

• Winner (w/ tie): Three Contracts per game — Team A Win, Team B Win, and Draw. Exactly one settles at $1.00, the others at $0.00. Result is based on regulation time only.

Example: EPL game is tied after 90 minutes plus stoppage time. This would result in Draw paying out $1.00 per Contract and the two sides will resolve to $0.00.

• Spread: Half-point spreads (e.g., -3.5)

Example: Will the Chiefs cover -3.5 points against the Eagles? In this case, the Chiefs need to win the game by 4 or more in order to have the spread Contract resolve at $1.00. The Eagles can lose by 3 or less or win outright and that side will resolve at $1.00. Half points are used to avoid ties.

• Total: Half-point totals (e.g., over or under, above or below the threshold of 47.5) are used to avoid ties.

Example: Will there be over 47.5 points scored in the Chiefs vs Eagles game? In this case, if the score is 47 points or lower this will resolve to $1.00 for the Under. On the other side, if there are 48 or more points in this game this will resolve to $1.00 for the Over and $0.00 for the Under.

• Title Event: If multiple participants are declared co-winners, each winner’s Contract settles at $1.00 divided by the number of winners, rounded down to the nearest tick.

How does overtime work?

For game-level Contracts (Athletic Event, Athletic Spread, Total Score), overtime, extra time, extra innings, penalty shootouts, and tiebreakers are included by default unless otherwise specified in the Contract Terms — the official final result governs settlement. The exception here is soccer: for league matches (e.g., EPL, MLS regular season), the result at the end of regulation time (90 minutes plus stoppage) governs. Extra time and penalties are excluded because draws are a valid outcome.

What happens if a game is postponed or rescheduled?

The settlement date moves to match the new event date. If the event is rescheduled earlier, the earlier date is used and the market result will remain valid based on the outcome on the earlier date. If the event does not take place before the Contract’s expiration date (usually two weeks after the scheduled date of the event), it’s treated as a cancellation and will resolve to the last fair market prices.

What happens if a game is canceled or abandoned?

If an event is canceled and not rescheduled before the expiration date (typically two weeks), the Contract settles at last fair market prices. This includes games that are abandoned or suspended mid-play without the governing body declaring an official result.

What happens if a player or team withdraws before the event?

It depends on the Contract type:

• Game-level Contracts (Athletic Event, Athletic Spread, Total Score): The Contract settles at last fair market prices.
• Futures and qualifiers (Title Event, Athletic Qualifier): The withdrawn participant’s Contract settles at $0.00.

What happens if a player retires mid-event?

If the governing body declares a winner or an official result, that result governs settlement. If no official result is declared, the Contract settles at last fair market prices.

What happens if there’s a forfeit?

The participant awarded the forfeit is deemed the winner. For spread and total score Contracts, the official forfeit score (e.g., 9-0 in baseball) is used. So, in that case the team that was -1.5 would resolve to $1.00 on their spread market and if the total was 8 the over would resolve to $1.00. For Winner with Ties markets, the market will resolve based on the participant who was awarded the forfeit and the ‘Tie’ Contract shall settle at $0.00.

What happens if there’s a no contest?

If the governing body declares the event a no-contest, the Contract settles at last fair market prices.

Example: If a UFC fight or a boxing match were to end in a no contest the Contract would settle at the last fair market prices before the announcement was made.

What happens if a game is shortened or truncated?

If the governing body declares an official result (e.g., the MLB calling a baseball game after 5 innings due to weather per current league rule), that result governs settlement.

What about replayed or protested games?

If a game is replayed in its entirety pursuant to a protest or governing body decision before the Contract’s expiration date, the replay result governs. If the replay happens after expiration, the original result stands and a new market is created for the replayed game on the later specified date.

Can results change after settlement?

No. Once an outcome is determined by Polymarket US in accordance with the rules, that determination is final and shall not be subject to appeal or revision for purposes of settlement. Post-event disqualifications, appeals, revised scores, or court rulings after the expiration date do not affect settlement.

---

Futures & Qualifiers

How does settlement work?

A futures market is settled using results from multiple different games or multiple rounds of a competition, such as a basketball league championship or who will win MVP for said league during their season. A market for a player or team may be settled to $0.00 as soon as it is known that they are no longer able to win or qualify.

A Qualifier Contract resolves at $1.00 when the governing body officially declares that the participant has met the qualification criteria for said event. Qualification may be determined through any officially recognized path including league standings or points accumulation, tournament progression, direct selection or invitation by the governing body, or performance-based criteria. If multiple qualification paths exist, participant qualifies if they meet any of the official criteria established by the governing body.

How do elimination and qualification work?

• Futures: If a team is eliminated from a championship (e.g., knocked out of the playoffs), their Contract settles at $0.00.
• Qualifiers: If a team cannot qualify for the specified event, or round of an event (e.g., a team is eliminated during the tournament stage and cannot make the playoffs), their Contract settles at $0.00.

What if a qualification determination is reversed before the expiration date?

If a participant initially qualifies or is eliminated for an event but that determination is later reversed, vacated, or reassigned before the Contract’s expiration date, the Contract will settle based on the final official determination as of the expiration date. Reversals, vacations, or reassignments announced after the expiration date do not affect settlement.

Does a team or player clinching mathematically trigger settlement?

No. Qualifier Contracts settle only upon official confirmation by the governing body. Mathematical clinching, projected qualification, or third-party projections do not trigger settlement. The Contract will remain open until the governing body officially declares the participant’s qualification status.

What if a participant qualifies due to another participant’s disqualification or withdrawal?

If a participant qualifies for an event as a direct result of another participant’s disqualification or withdrawal, and the governing body officially recognizes that qualification, the Contract resolves at $1.00. Official recognition by the governing body is required for settlement — advancement due to an unconfirmed disqualification or withdrawal does not trigger settlement.

Does a venue change affect my Futures/Qualifiers Contract?

No. A venue change does not affect the validity or settlement of any Contract, as long as the governing body continues to sanction the event.

---

Sport-Specific FAQs

Please note all game-level market rules apply for both pregame and in game trading, unless specifically stated otherwise.

---

Tennis (WTA/ATP)

What is the settlement source?

All markets are settled using the official result published by the governing body of the tournament in which the match is played. For ATP and WTA tour events, this is the ATP and WTA respectively. For Grand Slams, this is the official tournament authority (USTA for the US Open, Tennis Australia for the Australian Open, FFT for Roland Garros, and the AELTC for Wimbledon). For all other sanctioned events including ITF circuit, NCAA, and UTR events, the official result as published on that tournament’s official website governs. For exhibition matches with no sanctioning body, Contracts settle at last fair market prices unless the tournament organizer declares an official result. In cases where the primary source is unavailable, Polymarket US may reference secondary sources including official tournament communications, referee or umpire reports, press releases, and results databases maintained by the governing body. If secondary sources are unavailable, Polymarket US may reference tertiary sources including the Associated Press, Reuters, ESPN, BBC Sport, official team and league websites, and major sports wire services or data providers. Settlement will be delayed if the official result is under review. If no official result is declared, the Contract settles at last fair market prices.

What if a player gets a walkover?

A walkover in tennis happens before the match officially begins. If a player’s opponent withdraws before the first serve, the market Contracts settles at last fair market prices. This is a pre-event withdrawal.

What if a player retires mid-match?

If a player retires mid-match (after first serve), whoever advances/wins per governing body rules is rewarded with a win and will resolve at $1.00. Regardless of how many games/sets were completed in the match, if a player retires after first serve, whatever the governing body rules to be the outcome will resolve at $1.00.

What happens if a player defaults or gets disqualified?

If a player defaults for a code violation or is disqualified for the tournament for any reason the market will resolve based on the official result of the governing body of the tournament.

What if the match is delayed or suspended for weather or another reason?

If the match is delayed and played before the expiration date (typically two weeks) such that a qualifying outcome occurs, the Contract will settle per the governing league rules.

If the match is delayed or suspended for any reason but completed within the same tournament the Contract will settle per the official governing body result at $1.00. If the match is not completed before the Contract’s expiration date, the Contract will settle at last fair market prices.

What if the match is in an untraditional format (e.g., 4-game sets)?

Traders are responsible for understanding the rules of the markets they are trading in. If the format of a tennis match differs from traditional ATP format, all markets will stand and be resolved on the official result of the governing league. Additionally, if match formats are updated for any reason mid-tournament across any governing league the official governing league result will be the outcome of the market.

What happens if the venue or surface changes?

If a match is moved to a different venue, court type, or surface, but continues to be played before the expiration date between the same players, the market will remain open and trading will continue.

What happens if I take a future on a player who does not play in the tournament?

Traders are responsible for understanding the risk associated with futures markets, including whether a player has qualified for, confirmed entry in, or withdrawn from a tournament. Polymarket US does not guarantee that any player listed in a futures market will participate. If a player does not compete for any reason, their Contract settles at $0.00. It is the trader’s responsibility to monitor player participation and tournament draw information prior to and during the event.

---

Baseball (MLB)

What is the settlement source?

All markets are settled using the official result published by Major League Baseball (MLB) as reflected on MLB.com. In cases where MLB.com is unavailable or has not yet published the official result, Polymarket US may reference secondary sources including official MLB communications, umpire reports, press releases, and results databases maintained by MLB. If secondary sources are unavailable, Polymarket US may reference tertiary sources including the Associated Press, Reuters, ESPN, BBC Sport, official team and league websites, and major sports wire services or data providers. Settlement will be delayed if the official result is under review. If no official result is declared, the Contract settles at last fair market prices.

What are the game thresholds by market type?

All markets follow the same universal settlement rule — if MLB declares an official result, that result governs settlement for all markets regardless of the number of innings played.

For all markets — Winner, Spread, and Totals — settlement is based on the official result declared by MLB regardless of how many innings were completed. If MLB declares an official result at any point, that result governs settlement for all markets including Spread and Totals. The official score at the time of the MLB ruling governs all market settlement.

For example, if a game is called due to weather and MLB awards an official result with a score of 1-0, the team leading 1-0 wins the Winner market, the +1.5 on the spread market side would resolve to $1.00, and the score of 1-0 governs the Totals market.

If a game does not reach the minimum threshold required by MLB to be declared an official game and is not resumed before the Contract’s expiration date, all markets settle at last fair market prices. If the game is resumed before the Contract’s expiration date, the official MLB result governs settlement for all markets. If the game is resumed after the Contract’s expiration date, all markets settle at last fair market prices. Polymarket US has the discretion to create a new market for any game resumed on a later date.

In the event MLB schedules games with a non-standard format such as seven-inning doubleheaders, the official game threshold for those games is determined by MLB’s rules for that format. All markets follow the same universal settlement rule — if MLB declares an official result, that result governs settlement for all markets regardless of the number of innings played.

What if a game is called early due to weather?

If the governing body (MLB) declares an official result, that result governs. This is treated as a shortened/truncated game. All settlements are based on official league rules.

What happens if a game is postponed?

If a game is postponed before the first pitch for any reason, the following applies:

• If the game is rescheduled and played before the Contract’s expiration date (typically two weeks from the original game date), the official MLB result will govern settlement.
• If the game is rescheduled to a date beyond the Contract’s expiration date, all Contracts on the original game will settle at last fair market prices.

Postponed games do not automatically carry over to the rescheduled date. Polymarket US has the discretion to create a new market for any rescheduled or makeup game played outside of the original Contract’s expiration window.

What if a game is suspended before an official result and not resumed?

If a game is suspended mid-play for any reason, the following applies:

If the game is suspended and MLB has not yet declared an official result, and the game is subsequently completed before the Contract’s expiration date, the official MLB result governs settlement for all markets including Winner, Spread, and Totals.

If the game is suspended and MLB declares an official result at the point of suspension, that official score governs settlement for all markets regardless of how many innings were played. If the game is not completed before the Contract’s expiration date and no official result has been declared, all markets settle at last fair market prices. Polymarket US has the discretion to create a new market for any suspended game resumed outside the original Contract’s expiration window.

What happens if there is a doubleheader?

All games in a doubleheader are treated as independent Contracts and follow the same universal settlement rule as any regular MLB game — if MLB declares an official result for a game, that result governs settlement for all markets including Winner, Spread, and Totals regardless of how many innings were played.

If one game of a scheduled doubleheader is not played on the original scheduled date, Contracts on the unplayed game settle at last fair market prices. If the unplayed game is rescheduled and completed before the Contract’s expiration date, the official MLB result will govern settlement for all markets. If the rescheduled game falls outside the Contract’s expiration date, Contracts settle at last fair market prices. Contracts on the completed game are unaffected and settle per the official MLB result.

In the event MLB schedules games with a non-standard format such as seven-inning doubleheaders, the official game threshold for those games is determined by MLB’s rules for that format and the same universal settlement rule applies.

Polymarket US has the discretion to create new markets for any rescheduled or makeup games. Doubleheader rules are subject to change as MLB scheduling formats evolve.

What happens if the games venue is changed?

A venue change has no impact on any active markets. All Contracts remain valid and orders remain open regardless of any change to the game’s location.

What happens if the game goes to extra innings?

All markets include extra innings unless otherwise stated. The official MLB result after extra innings governs settlement for Winner, Spread, and Totals markets.

What is a spread in MLB markets?

The standard spread in MLB is a spread of 1.5 runs. The favored team must win by 2 or more runs for the spread market to resolve at $1.00. The team that is +1.5 will resolve at $1.00 if they win the game outright or lose by exactly 1 run. All spread markets include extra innings unless explicitly stated otherwise. The official MLB recorded score including any extra innings governs spread settlement.

What about the mercy rule? (College Baseball)

If a game ends early due to a mercy rule and the governing body declares an official result, that result governs.

---

Soccer

What is the settlement source?

All markets are settled using the official result published by the governing body of the competition in which the match is played. For most competitions this means the official league or federation website serves as the primary settlement source — for example, premierleague.com for EPL matches or fifa.com for FIFA World Cup matches. In cases where the primary source is unavailable or has not yet published the official result, Polymarket US may reference secondary sources including official competition scorecards, referee or umpire reports, press releases, and results databases maintained by the governing body. If secondary sources are unavailable, Polymarket US may reference tertiary sources including the Associated Press, Reuters, ESPN, BBC Sport, official team and league websites, and major sports wire services or data providers. Settlement will be delayed if the official result is under review. If no official result is declared, the Contract settles at last fair market prices.

What happens after 90 minutes of play?

All markets are based on the result at the end of 90 minutes of regulation play plus any stoppage time added by the match official, unless explicitly stated otherwise in the rules. This applies to all competitions and all market types. Extra time, golden goals, and penalty shootouts are not included in market settlement unless otherwise specified in the Contract terms.

How will I know if extra time, golden goal, or penalty shootouts will count in this game?

For any market in which a draw is a listed outcome - for example, a league or group stage match - the market refers to regulation time only, unless otherwise specified in the rules.

How are VAR and overturned decisions handled?

All markets are settled based on the official result as determined by the match officials at the conclusion of the match. Any goal, card, penalty, or offside decision that is overturned by VAR during the match is deemed non-existent for settlement purposes. If a goal is disallowed by VAR, it does not count toward settlement. If a goal is awarded by VAR, it does count toward settlement.

Decisions made by VAR or any other officiating review process after the final whistle has blown are not considered for settlement purposes. All markets are settled on the result as it stands at the end of 90 minutes plus stoppage time, based on the official match record.

What if the match is postponed?

If a match is postponed before kickoff for any reason, the following applies: If the match is rescheduled and played before the Contract’s expiration date with the same home and away team designation, the official result as published by the governing body will govern settlement. If the match is rescheduled to a date beyond the Contract’s expiration date, all Contracts on the original match settle at last fair market prices.

If a postponed match is rescheduled with the home and away teams flipped, the original Contract will settle at last fair market prices as the nature of the match has fundamentally changed. Polymarket US has the discretion to create a new market for the rescheduled match.

Postponed matches do not automatically carry over to the rescheduled date. Polymarket US has the discretion to create a new market for any rescheduled match played outside of the original Contract’s expiration window.

What happens if the match is suspended or abandoned?

If a match is suspended or abandoned after kickoff for any reason, the following applies: If the match is suspended and subsequently completed before the Contract’s expiration date, the official result as published by the governing body will govern settlement.

If the match is abandoned and the governing body declares an official result for any reason — including a forfeit, walkover, or disciplinary ruling — that official result governs settlement. If the match is not completed and no official result is declared before the Contract’s expiration date, all Contracts settle at last fair market prices.

Polymarket US has the discretion to create a new market for any suspended match that is resumed outside the original Contract’s expiration window.

What happens if the venue of the event is changed?

A venue change has no impact on any active markets. All Contracts remain valid and orders remain open regardless of any change to the match location, including changes to a neutral site or a different stadium. This does not apply to cases where the home and away team designations are reversed — see Postponed Matches for that scenario.

How do futures and qualifiers markets work?

Futures markets are settled on the team that officially lifts the trophy or is declared the winner by the governing body of the competition. Unless a market is explicitly designated as a regular season winner market, settlement is based on the final competition winner including playoff rounds where applicable.

For MLS specifically, the regular season winner and the MLS Cup winner are treated as separate markets. Unless the market is explicitly designated as the MLS Supporters’ Shield or regular season winner, all MLS futures settle on the team that lifts the MLS Cup. If a season or competition is not completed for any reason, Polymarket US has the discretion to determine settlement based on the information available at the time.

If a team is removed, expelled, or withdrawn from a competition before or during the season for any reason, their futures Contract settles at $0.00. All match-level Contracts involving that team that have not yet been played settle at last fair market prices.

If a team changes its name or relocates during the Contract window, futures Contracts placed before the change remain valid and will follow that team under its new name or location.

Qualifiers are settled on the official final standings or qualification results as published by the governing body of the competition at the conclusion of the season or qualification round.

---

Golf

What is the settlement source?

All markets are settled using the official result declared by the governing body of the tournament in which the event is played, as published on that tournament’s official website. For the four Majors, the governing authorities are Augusta National (The Masters), the USGA (US Open), the R&A (The Open Championship), and the PGA of America (PGA Championship). For PGA Tour and DP World Tour events, the official result as published on pgatour.com and europeantour.com respectively governs. For LIV Golf events, the official result as declared by LIV Golf governs. In cases where the primary source is unavailable, Polymarket US may reference secondary sources including official tournament communications, referee or umpire reports, press releases, and results databases maintained by the governing body. If secondary sources are unavailable, Polymarket US may reference tertiary sources including the Associated Press, Reuters, ESPN, BBC Sport, official team and league websites, and major sports wire services or data providers. Settlement will be delayed if the official result is under review. If no official result is declared, the Contract settles at last fair market prices.

How are tournament winners settled?

All futures markets are settled on the player officially awarded the trophy by the governing body of the tournament. The result at the time of the trophy presentation governs settlement. Playoffs are included — if two or more players are tied at the end of regulation play and a playoff is conducted, the winner of the playoff is the tournament winner for settlement purposes. Post-settlement disqualifications, amended results, or score corrections issued after the trophy has been awarded do not affect settlement. Once a market is settled it is final.

What if a tournament is shortened due to weather?

If a tournament is shortened for any reason, the following applies:

If the governing body declares an official winner, that result governs settlement regardless of how many holes or rounds were completed. The official result at the time of the trophy presentation governs settlement for all markets.

If the tournament does not reach the minimum threshold required by the governing body to declare an official winner, all Contracts settle at last fair market prices.

If a tournament is suspended and subsequently completed before the Contract’s expiration date, the official result governs settlement. If a tournament is not completed before the Contract’s expiration date, all Contracts settle at last fair market prices. Polymarket US has the discretion to create a new market for any tournament resumed outside the original Contract’s expiration window.

What if a tournament is canceled?

If a tournament is officially canceled and not resumed for any reason, all Contracts settle at last fair market prices. This applies regardless of how many rounds or holes had been completed at the time of cancellation.

If a tournament is canceled and subsequently rescheduled before the Contract’s expiration date, the official result of the rescheduled tournament governs settlement. If the rescheduled tournament falls outside the Contract’s expiration date, all Contracts settle at last fair market prices. Polymarket US has the discretion to create a new market for any rescheduled tournament outside the original Contract’s expiration window.

What if a player withdraws before the tournament?

If a player withdraws from a tournament before teeing off on the first hole of their first round for any reason, their futures Contract settles at $0.00. This applies regardless of whether the withdrawal occurs before the tournament begins or between rounds prior to the player’s first tee-off.

Traders are responsible for monitoring player participation and withdrawal announcements prior to and during the tournament. Polymarket US does not guarantee that any player listed in a futures market will participate.

What if a player withdraws mid tournament?

If a player withdraws from a tournament for any reason after teeing off on the first hole of their first round, their futures Contract settles at $0.00. This applies regardless of how many rounds or holes the player completed before withdrawing.

A player is considered to have teed off once they have taken their first stroke on the first hole of their first round. Any withdrawal after this point — including withdrawals between rounds — is treated as a mid-tournament withdrawal and settles at $0.00.

What happens if a player is disqualified?

If a player is disqualified from a tournament for any reason at any point after teeing off, their futures Contract settles at $0.00. This applies regardless of how many rounds or holes the player completed before disqualification.

If a player is disqualified before teeing off, their futures Contract settles at $0.00 consistent with the pre-tee-off withdrawal rule.

Post-settlement disqualifications issued after the trophy has been awarded do not affect settlement. The result at the time of the trophy presentation is final.

What happens if there are co-winners of a tournament?

In the rare event that two or more players are declared co-winners of a tournament by the governing body without a playoff being conducted, each winner’s Contract settles at $1.00 divided by the number of winners, rounded down to the nearest tick. All other player Contracts resolve at $0.00.

What if I bought a Future or Qualifier on a player who did not participate?

Traders are responsible for understanding the risk associated with futures markets, including whether a player has qualified for, confirmed entry in, or withdrawn from a tournament. Polymarket US does not guarantee that any player listed in a futures market will participate. If a player does not tee off in their first round for any reason, their Contract settles at $0.00. It is the trader’s responsibility to monitor player participation and tournament entry information prior to and during the event.

---

UFC

What is the settlement source?

All markets are settled using the official result announced by the UFC at the conclusion of the bout, as published on ufc.com. In cases where ufc.com is unavailable or has not yet published the official result, Polymarket US may reference secondary sources including official UFC communications, official bout scorecards, and results databases maintained by the UFC. If secondary sources are unavailable, Polymarket US may reference tertiary sources including the Associated Press, Reuters, ESPN, BBC Sport, official team and league websites, and major sports wire services or data providers. Settlement will be delayed if the official result is under review. If no official result is declared, the Contract settles at last fair market prices.

What is the definition of a started bout?

A bout is deemed to have started once the bell sounds for the first round and both fighters have engaged. Any withdrawal, injury, or stoppage occurring before the bell sounds for round one is treated as a pre-fight withdrawal and all Contracts settle at last fair market prices. Any result, stoppage, or decision occurring after the bell sounds for round one is governed by the official UFC result.

Can results change after settlement if a fighter protests the outcome?

All markets are settled based on the official result announced by the referee or judges at the conclusion of the bout, as verified by UFC officials at the fighting venue. A result is not official for settlement purposes until verified by officials at the fighting venue.

Once a market is settled it is final. Any subsequent changes to the official result based on appeal, suspension, lawsuit, failed drug test, or any other fighter sanction issued after settlement will not be recognized for settlement purposes. This includes results overturned by any sanctioning body or athletic commission after the fact.

What if a bout is declared a no-contest?

If a bout is declared a no-contest during the fight due to an accidental foul, accidental headbutt, or any other unintentional incident that prevents the bout from continuing, all Contracts settle at last fair market prices. This applies regardless of how many rounds were completed at the time of the stoppage.

If a bout’s result is overturned to a no-contest after settlement due to a failed drug test, appeal, suspension, lawsuit, or any other fighter sanction issued by the UFC, USADA, or any athletic commission, the original settlement stands. Polymarket US will not regrade or reverse any settled markets based on post-fight decisions regardless of the reason or timing of the overturn.

What if a bout ends in a draw or a technical draw?

A draw occurs when the judges’ scorecards are equal at the conclusion of the bout. A technical draw occurs when a fight is stopped before the scheduled distance due to an accidental foul and the scorecards are used to determine the result. For settlement purposes both a draw and a technical draw are treated the same way — all Contracts settle at $0.50.

What happens if a fighter gets disqualified?

If a fighter is disqualified during a bout, the opponent is declared the winner by the UFC and that official result governs settlement. A disqualification is treated as a win for the opponent and the winning fighter’s Contract resolves at $1.00. The disqualified fighter’s Contract resolves at $0.00.

If a disqualification is overturned or reversed after settlement for any reason including appeal, review, or athletic commission ruling, the original settlement still stands. Once a market is settled it is final.

What if a fighter retires between rounds?

If a fighter retires between rounds and does not answer the bell for the next round, the bout is deemed to have ended at the conclusion of the previous round. The opponent is declared the winner by the UFC and that official result governs settlement. The winning fighter’s Contract resolves at $1.00 and the retiring fighter’s Contract resolves at $0.00.

What if a fighter pulls out before the bout?

If a fighter withdraws before the bout for any reason prior to the bell sounding for round one, all Contracts settle at last fair market prices. This is a pre-fight withdrawal and is treated the same regardless of when the withdrawal is announced — whether days before the event or during the walkout to the octagon.

Traders are responsible for monitoring fighter participation and withdrawal announcements prior to and during the event. Polymarket US does not guarantee that any fighter listed in a market will compete.

What if there is a substitution for one of the fighters?

Orders on the original contest will be resolved at last fair market prices and a new market will be created for the new fight.

What if a fight is changed from 3 rounds to 5 rounds, or 5 rounds to 3 rounds?

If the number of scheduled rounds in a bout is changed for any reason before or during the fight, all Winner market Contracts remain active and will settle based on the official UFC result. All existing trades stand regardless of the change in scheduled rounds.

What if one or both fighters miss weight?

If a bout is changed to a different weight class before or during fight week, all existing Contracts remain active and will settle based on the official UFC result.

If a bout proceeds at a catchweight — meaning neither or one fighter did not make the originally scheduled weight class limit — all existing Contracts remain active and will settle based on the official UFC result.

---

NHL

What is the settlement source?

All markets are settled using the official result published by the National Hockey League (NHL) as reflected on NHL.com. In cases where NHL.com is unavailable or has not yet published the official result, Polymarket US may reference secondary sources including official NHL communications, referee or umpire reports, press releases, and results databases maintained by the NHL. If secondary sources are unavailable, Polymarket US may reference tertiary sources including the Associated Press, Reuters, ESPN, BBC Sport, official team and league websites, and major sports wire services or data providers. Settlement will be delayed if the official result is under review. If no official result is declared, the Contract settles at last fair market prices.

Official game threshold

For all markets to settle on the official result, a game must reach the minimum threshold required by the NHL to be declared an official game. If a game is suspended or abandoned before reaching the official threshold for any reason, all markets settle at last fair market prices.

If a game reaches the official threshold and is subsequently suspended or abandoned, the official NHL result at the time of stoppage governs settlement for all markets. If the game is not resumed before the Contract’s expiration date, all markets settle at last fair market prices.

If a game does not reach the official threshold and is subsequently completed before the Contract’s expiration date, the official NHL result governs settlement for all markets. If the game is not completed before the Contract’s expiration date, all markets settle at last fair market prices.

Polymarket US has the discretion to create a new market for any game resumed outside the original Contract’s expiration window.

What happens if a game goes to overtime or a shootout?

Regular Season: In NHL regular season games, if a game is tied at the end of 60 minutes of regulation play, a 5-minute 3-on-3 sudden death overtime period is played per NHL league rules (this is subject to change dependent on league rules). If the game remains tied after overtime, a shootout determines the winner. All Winner, Spread, and Totals markets include overtime and shootout results unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Playoffs: In NHL playoff games, if a game is tied at the end of 60 minutes of regulation play, full 5-on-5 sudden death overtime periods are played until a winner is determined per NHL league rules (this is subject to change dependent on league rules). There is no shootout in the playoffs. All Winner, Spread, and Totals markets include all overtime periods. Playoff overtime periods continue until a goal is scored regardless of how many periods are required.

In both cases: Individual goals scored during a shootout do not count toward Totals or Spread settlement. The team that wins the shootout is credited with one goal per the official NHL recorded score and that final official score governs settlement for all markets.

What is a spread in NHL markets?

The standard spread in NHL is a spread of 1.5 goals. The favorite must win by 2 or more goals in order for the spread market to resolve at $1.00. The team that is +1.5 will resolve to $1.00 if they win the game outright or lose by exactly 1 goal. All spread markets include overtime and shootout results unless explicitly stated otherwise. The shootout winner’s single credited goal counts toward the spread market settlement per the official NHL recorded score.

What if the game is postponed?

If a game is postponed before puck drop for any reason, the following applies:

If the game is rescheduled and played before the Contract’s expiration date, the official NHL result will govern settlement for all markets. If the game is rescheduled to a date beyond the Contract’s expiration date, all Contracts on the original game settle at last fair market prices.

Postponed games do not automatically carry over to the rescheduled date. Polymarket US has the discretion to create a new market for any rescheduled game played outside of the original Contract’s expiration window.

What happens if the game is suspended?

If a game is suspended mid-play for any reason, the following applies:

If the game has reached the official NHL game threshold at the time of suspension and is not resumed, the official NHL result at the time of suspension governs settlement for all markets. If the game is not resumed before the Contract’s expiration date, all markets settle at last fair market prices.

If the game has not reached the official NHL game threshold at the time of suspension and is subsequently completed before the Contract’s expiration date, the official NHL result governs settlement for all markets. If the game is not completed before the Contract’s expiration date, all markets settle at last fair market prices.

Polymarket US has the discretion to create a new market for any suspended game resumed outside the original Contract’s expiration window.

What happens if the event changes venues?

A venue change has no impact on any active markets. All Contracts remain valid and orders remain open regardless of any change to the game’s location. This does not apply to cases where the home and away team designations are reversed.

How do Futures and Qualifiers settle?

Futures markets are settled on the team that officially wins the Stanley Cup as declared by the NHL at the conclusion of the playoffs. The result at the time of the trophy presentation governs settlement. Post-settlement changes, amendments, or rulings issued after the trophy has been awarded do not affect settlement. Once a market is settled it is final.

If a team is relocated, rebranded, or changes its name during the Contract window, futures Contracts placed before the change remain valid and will follow that team under its new name or location.

If the NHL season is not completed for any reason, Polymarket US has the discretion to determine settlement based on the information available at the time. Qualifiers are settled on the official NHL playoff seeding and qualification results as published by the NHL at the conclusion of the regular season.

How do individual award markets settle?

Futures markets on individual awards — including but not limited to the Hart Trophy (NHL MVP), Conn Smythe Trophy (Playoff MVP), Norris Trophy (best defenseman), Vezina Trophy (best goaltender), and Calder Trophy (best rookie) — are settled on the official winner as announced by the NHL at the annual awards ceremony.

The official NHL announcement governs settlement. Post-announcement amendments, appeals, or revisions do not affect settlement. Once a market is settled it is final. If a player listed in an individual award market does not play in the season for any reason, their Contract settles at $0.00. Traders are responsible for monitoring player participation and eligibility throughout the season.

If a season is not completed for any reason, Polymarket US has the discretion to determine settlement based on the information available at the time.

---

Basketball (NBA/NCAA)

What is the settlement source?

All markets are settled using the official result published by the governing body of the competition in which the game is played. For NBA games this is the National Basketball Association as reflected on NBA.com. For NCAA Men’s Tournament games this is the NCAA as reflected on NCAA.com. In cases where the primary source is unavailable or has not yet published the official result, Polymarket US may reference secondary sources including official league communications, referee or umpire reports, press releases, and results databases maintained by the governing body. If secondary sources are unavailable, Polymarket US may reference tertiary sources including the Associated Press, Reuters, ESPN, BBC Sport, official team and league websites, and major sports wire services or data providers. Settlement will be delayed if the official result is under review. If no official result is declared, the Contract settles at last fair market prices.

What are the official game thresholds?

NBA: If a game reaches the minimum threshold required by the NBA to be declared an official game and is subsequently suspended or abandoned, the official NBA result at the time of stoppage governs settlement for all markets. If the game is suspended before reaching the official threshold and subsequently completed before the Contract’s expiration date, the official NBA result governs settlement. If the game is not completed before the Contract’s expiration date, all markets settle at last fair market prices.

NCAA Men’s Basketball: If a game reaches the minimum threshold required by the NCAA to be declared an official game and is subsequently suspended or abandoned, the official NCAA result at the time of stoppage governs settlement for all markets. If the game is suspended before reaching the official threshold and subsequently completed before the Contract’s expiration date, the official NCAA result governs settlement. If the game is not completed before the Contract’s expiration date, all markets settle at last fair market prices.

Polymarket US has the discretion to create a new market for any game resumed outside the original Contract’s expiration window.

What happens if a game goes to overtime?

All Winner, Spread, and Totals markets include overtime unless explicitly stated otherwise. If a game is tied at the end of regulation, additional overtime periods are played until a winner is determined. There are no ties in basketball.

All overtime periods count toward final settlement for all markets. The official final score after all overtime periods governs settlement for Winner, Spread, and Totals markets.

What happens if the game is postponed?

If a game is postponed before tip-off for any reason, the following applies: If the game is rescheduled and played before the Contract’s expiration date, the official result as published by the governing body will govern settlement for all markets. If the game is rescheduled to a date beyond the Contract’s expiration date, all Contracts on the original game settle at last fair market prices.

Postponed games do not automatically carry over to the rescheduled date. Polymarket US has the discretion to create a new market for any rescheduled game played outside of the original Contract’s expiration window.

What happens if the game is suspended?

If a game is suspended mid-play for any reason, the following applies:

NBA: If the game has reached the official NBA game threshold at the time of suspension, the official NBA result at the time of stoppage governs settlement for all markets. If the game has not reached the official threshold, and is subsequently completed before the Contract’s expiration date, the official NBA result governs settlement. If the game is not completed before the Contract’s expiration date, all markets settle at last fair market prices.

NCAA Men’s Basketball: If the game has reached the official NCAA game threshold at the time of suspension, the official NCAA result at the time of stoppage governs settlement for all markets. If the game has not reached the official threshold, and is subsequently completed before the Contract’s expiration date, the official NCAA result governs settlement. If the game is not completed before the Contract’s expiration date, all markets settle at last fair market prices.

Polymarket US has the discretion to create a new market for any suspended game resumed outside the original Contract’s expiration window.

What happens if the event venue is changed?

A venue change has no impact on any active markets. All Contracts remain valid and orders remain open regardless of any change to the game’s location. This does not apply to cases where the home and away team designations are reversed.

How are Futures and Qualifiers settled? (NBA)

Futures markets are settled on the team that officially wins the NBA Championship as declared by the NBA at the conclusion of the Finals. The result at the time of the trophy presentation governs settlement. Post-settlement changes, amendments, or rulings issued after the trophy has been awarded do not affect settlement. Once a market is settled it is final. If a team is relocated, rebranded, or changes its name during the Contract window, futures Contracts placed before the change remain valid and will follow that team under its new name or location.

If the NBA season is not completed for any reason, Polymarket US has the discretion to determine settlement based on the information available at the time.

How are individual awards settled? (NBA)

Individual award futures — including NBA MVP — are settled on the official winner as announced by the NBA at the annual awards ceremony. The official NBA announcement governs settlement. Post-announcement amendments, appeals, or revisions do not affect settlement. Once a market is settled it is final.

If a player listed in an individual award market does not play in the season for any reason, their Contract settles at $0.00. Traders are responsible for monitoring player participation and eligibility throughout the season.

Additional futures and qualifier markets to be added as new features are introduced.

How are Futures and Qualifiers settled? (NCAA)

All NCAA Men’s Tournament markets are settled using the official result published by the NCAA as reflected on NCAA.com.

Tournament Structure: The NCAA Men’s Tournament consists of 68 teams across six rounds — the First Four, First Round, Second Round, Sweet Sixteen, Elite Eight, Final Four, and Championship. All rounds are treated as independent markets and settled on the official result of each individual game.

First Four (Play-In Games): The First Four play-in games are included in all tournament markets. Teams that qualify for the First Round via the First Four are treated as full tournament participants for all Futures and Qualifier markets.

Qualifier Markets: Qualifier markets are settled on the official NCAA bracket results as published by the NCAA at the conclusion of each round. A team is considered to have qualified for a round once their advancement is officially confirmed by the NCAA.

If a team advances via forfeit or withdrawal by their opponent, the advancing team’s Qualifier Contract resolves at $1.00. The withdrawn or forfeited team’s Contract resolves at $0.00.

Futures Markets: Tournament winner futures are settled on the team that officially wins the NCAA Championship as declared by the NCAA at the conclusion of the Championship game. The result at the time of the final buzzer governs settlement. Post-settlement changes, amendments, or rulings do not affect settlement. Once a market is settled it is final.

What happens to canceled or suspended games?

If a tournament game is suspended or abandoned before reaching the official NCAA game threshold and not completed before the Contract’s expiration date, all Contracts on that game settle at last fair market prices. If the game is subsequently completed before the Contract’s expiration date, the official NCAA result governs settlement for all markets.

If a tournament game reaches the official NCAA game threshold and is subsequently suspended or abandoned, the official NCAA result at the time of stoppage governs settlement for all markets.

If a tournament game is canceled entirely and not rescheduled before the Contract’s expiration date, all Contracts settle at last fair market prices. Polymarket US has the discretion to create a new market for any rescheduled tournament game.