> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://polymarketguide.gitbook.io/polymarketguide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://polymarketguide.gitbook.io/polymarketguide/markets/categories/sports.md).

# Sports

Sports markets resolve based on the outcome of a sporting event or competition. These can include game outcomes, props, tournaments, and season outcomes.

### How do they work?

Sports markets define the conditions that determine which result counts.

Conditions can include:

* **Competition**\
  *Example*: NBA.
* **Event**\
  *Example*: Knicks vs. Spurs.
* **Outcome**\
  *Example*: Knicks win.
* **Game period**\
  *Example*: Full game, including overtime.

### Resolution Sources

Common resolution sources for sports markets include:

* **Official sports organizations**, such as the NFL, NBA, and FIFA
* **Sports results and statistics platforms**, such as Flashscore, Sofascore, and HLTV
* **Consensus of credible reporting**

Always check the **market's listed source** — it can affect how the market will resolve.

<figure><img src="https://3511841878-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FwmHFi7NV8gmAN3L4jVKb%2Fuploads%2FHW6bFxOlFwIIX4HPSpq1%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=76732d7c-9ab7-4936-9c51-d86a0f24e478" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### What should I be aware of?

* **Regulation and overtime rules** can determine which parts of a game count.
* **Postponements or cancellations** may keep a market open or result in a specified resolution.
* **Non-participation, forfeits, or withdrawals** may have specific resolution rules.
* **Elimination, ties, or multiple winners** may have additional resolution rules.

<figure><img src="https://3511841878-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FwmHFi7NV8gmAN3L4jVKb%2Fuploads%2FIhlNC9uHus5HuQ8veeeA%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=96828c4b-6f76-41f1-be09-0d44d50e6f80" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Examples

Here are examples of how rulesets are structured:

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Game" %}

<figure><img src="https://3511841878-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FwmHFi7NV8gmAN3L4jVKb%2Fuploads%2F7Cz6bTQIXZmLtSlfSMrt%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=692e009c-31bc-4a26-947c-e4e01f05b328" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Resolution Criteria:** The listed team wins the January 25, 2026 Patriots vs. Broncos game.

**Resolution Source:** NFL

**Additional Rules:** If the game is postponed, the market remains open until it is completed. If the game is canceled entirely or ends in a tie with no make-up game, the market resolves 50-50.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Prop" %}

<figure><img src="https://3511841878-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FwmHFi7NV8gmAN3L4jVKb%2Fuploads%2FKzvkBbzTOoyg4RRzbz9L%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=7125cb32-c69c-4b6d-9927-caf9085692c8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Resolution Criteria:** The Knicks and Spurs combine to score 218 or more points in the June 3, 2026 game.

**Resolution Source:** NBA

**Additional Rules:** If the game is postponed, the market remains open until it is completed. If the game is canceled with no make-up game, the market resolves 50-50.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Tournament" %}

<figure><img src="https://3511841878-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FwmHFi7NV8gmAN3L4jVKb%2Fuploads%2FKDsdnR307eaqXnRTjRZJ%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=17b350d2-908f-4d2f-9f75-2d3f34fa3ff1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Resolution Criteria:** The listed national team wins the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

**Resolution Source:** FIFA or a consensus of credible reporting

**Additional Rules:** If it becomes impossible for the team to win the tournament, such as after elimination in the knockout stage, the market resolves to No. If the World Cup is permanently canceled or has not been completed by October 13, 2026, the market resolves to Other.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Esports" %}

<figure><img src="https://3511841878-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FwmHFi7NV8gmAN3L4jVKb%2Fuploads%2F6WEsG9OGxPHAl5zsd4yC%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=42756c87-e24a-4878-bd50-b8f4976a562a" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Resolution Criteria:** The listed team wins the June 21, 2026 FURIA vs. Team Falcons Counter-Strike grand final at IEM Cologne Major.

**Resolution Source:** HLTV

**Additional Rules:** If the match is canceled, ends in a tie, or is delayed more than seven days without a winner, the market resolves 50-50. If play begins and a team later wins because of the opponent's forfeiture, disqualification, or walkover, that team wins the market. A forfeit, disqualification, or walkover before play begins results in a 50-50 resolution.&#x20;

**Backup Source:** If HLTV has not published final results within two hours after the event concludes, a consensus of credible reporting, including video evidence, may be used.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}