According to Bloomberg on Wednesday, Sports Illustrated announced a partnership with UK-based media firm Galactic to introduce SI Predict, a novel predictions market. 

This platform is set to diversify the landscape of quasi-betting exchanges by offering users the opportunity to wager on various aspects of athletic events, excluding the actual outcomes of the games.

SI Predict is poised to compete in the burgeoning market of quasi-betting platforms, which currently includes the likes of Polymarket and Kalshi. These platforms are known for their derivative contract-based products. The new service from Sports Illustrated will be accessible on a global scale, providing a unique betting experience where users can place bets on elements such as the number of attendees at a football game or the song selection for a halftime show performance.

The companies have expressed that the primary aim of SI Predict is to enhance user engagement by sparking conversations and debates. It is designed to allow enthusiasts to demonstrate their sports knowledge and insights without delving into the intricacies of traditional gambling. This approach aligns with the growing trend of interactive fan experiences that go beyond mere spectating.

In their joint statement, Sports Illustrated and Galactic emphasized that the platform is intended to offer a simplified form of engagement for sports fans. By focusing on the peripheral aspects of sports events, SI Predict aims to create a community where expertise and predictions can be shared and celebrated in a non-gambling environment.

SI Predict is scheduled for launch in the second quarter, expanding the options for sports fans to connect with their favorite athletic events in an innovative and non-traditional betting format. The platform’s unique proposition is expected to attract users eager to test their predictive skills and knowledge in a new and exciting way.