CME Group to launch NHL futures contracts on Sept. 28

CME Group Inc. said on Monday it will launch futures contracts tied to National Hockey League (NHL) season outcomes on Sept. 28, expanding its derivatives offerings into sports betting markets.

The contracts will enable traders to hedge or speculate on the performance of NHL teams over the regular season, with settlement prices based on final standings. The move follows CME’s prior launches of similar products for other major U.S. sports leagues, including the NFL and NBA.

The NHL futures will be listed under CME’s existing suite of sports betting derivatives, which are cash-settled and traded electronically. The exchange did not disclose specific contract specifications beyond the launch date, though details are typically outlined in CME’s product announcements.

The initiative reflects growing institutional and retail interest in sports-related derivatives, as betting markets increasingly overlap with financial instruments. CME Group, a leading derivatives marketplace, has expanded its sports betting products in recent years to diversify its revenue streams beyond traditional commodities and financial futures.

The NHL contracts will be available for trading alongside other CME products, subject to regulatory approvals and market conditions. No further financial terms or participation details were provided in the announcement.