economy

From Chalamet to Messi, prediction markets are betting on celebrities to boost their brands

Updated on: June 19, 2026 / 12:45 PM EDT / CBS News

From Chalamet to Messi, prediction markets are betting on celebrities to boost their brands

TL;DR

  • Kalshi is using celebrity advertisements featuring athletes to attract more users, capitalizing on events like the NBA Finals and FIFA World Cup.
  • The platform aims to drive brand awareness through partnerships with celebrities such as Lionel Messi and Timothée Chalamet.
  • Celebrity endorsements are seen as a way to build trust and attract customers, a long-standing marketing strategy for establishing legitimacy.
  • Research suggests people are more likely to choose a product endorsed by a celebrity, as they are perceived to have valuable input.
  • Competitor Polymarket is also planning to announce new celebrity partnerships soon.