Sports Betting Alliance names former AGA executive Joe Maloney as president, CEO

The Sports Betting Alliance has appointed former American Gaming Association (AGA) executive Joe Maloney as its new president and chief executive officer, marking a significant leadership shift as the trade group navigates growing divisions over prediction markets.

Maloney succeeds Jeremy Kudon, who will remain with the alliance as chairman and focus on legislative strategy after eight years as president. The SBA’s membership includes bet365, BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics, and FanDuel.

“We are thrilled to welcome Joe as president of the Sports Betting Alliance,” Kudon said. “His deep understanding of gaming policy, proven leadership in public affairs, and established relationships make him an ideal leader during this crucial time for our industry.”

An AGA spokesperson congratulated Maloney, saying he was a “valued member” of the association’s leadership team and wishing him “continued success in this next chapter.”

In his new position, Maloney will oversee the alliance’s strategic partnerships and work with operators, regulators, and lawmakers to support compliance and integrity for SBA members. He previously served as vice president of public affairs for the Washington Commanders.

“I’m honored to step into this role with the Sports Betting Alliance during such a critical moment for the industry,” Maloney said. Legal, regulated sports betting and iGaming, he added, “are delivering meaningful consumer protections, enhanced integrity monitoring and economic benefits to states, bringing activity once confined to the shadows into the light. I look forward to working with stakeholders throughout the country to continue strengthening the industry and ensuring its long-term success.”

The leadership change comes as the SBA grapples with internal disagreement over prediction markets. FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics are either active or planning involvement in the emerging sector, while BetMGM opposes prediction markets, and bet365 has not stated a public position.

Tensions between the SBA and AGA intensified last month when FanDuel and DraftKings resigned from the AGA over conflicting stances on sports event contracts. The AGA has taken an anti–prediction market position and voiced concerns about partnerships between prediction markets and sports leagues. 

AGA CEO Bill Miller called the NHL’s deals with Kalshi and Polymarket “deeply troubling” and “dangerous.” The NHL is the first major U.S. sports league to partner with a prediction market.

Maloney said he looks forward to collaborating with stakeholders nationwide “to continue strengthening the industry and ensuring its long-term success.”