Allwyn International, owned by Czech billionaire Karel Komárek, has completed its acquisition of a controlling stake in PrizePicks. The company closed the deal with the leading North American fantasy sports operator on 19 January 2026. Allwyn acquired 62.3% of PrizePicks shares for $1.5 billion. The completed transaction gives PrizePicks access to Allwyn’s resources and expertise, which both parties expect will help accelerate product scaling and expansion in the sports and culture prediction market. As the operator noted, the team shares Allwyn’s belief in both the power of technology and the importance of a commitment to responsible gaming and a positive impact on the community.
Creating a global entertainment platform
Allwyn CEO Robert Hvatal said the investment supports the company’s strategy to create a diversified global entertainment platform. The acquisition of the well-known brand also significantly strengthens the company’s presence in the United States. ‘I look forward to working with Mike and the talented PrizePicks team to offer fans even more compelling products,’ said Hvatal.
In support of this strategy in Europe, the company announced in October 2025 that it would merge with OPAP to create a leading global gaming operator. The new operator will specialise in lotteries and have a market value of €16 billion. This agreement brought together two leading operators, creating the world’s second-largest publicly listed gambling and entertainment company. The operator is expected to take a leading position in the European and North American markets.
The transaction was carried out through a share exchange, with the merged group valued at approximately €16 billion. This agreement has increased the visibility of the Allwyn global platform. Following the completion, the combined company remained listed on the Athens Stock Exchange, and the public market listing provides access to equity capital markets. Allwyn may pursue an additional listing on another major international exchange, such as London or New York.
Presence in the prediction market
For its part, PrizePicks has continued to implement its growth strategy since the initial transaction with Allwyn on 22 September 2025. In November, the company launched a prediction market offering in partnership with Kalshi and Polymarket. This move expanded the brand’s presence to nearly all US states: the two services, available in 48 states and the District of Columbia, allow users to predict team outcomes and cultural events.
On 14 November 2025, PrizePicks announced the launch of a prediction market offering through its subsidiary Performance Predictions II, LLC, registered as a Futures Commission Merchant. At the same time, the company entered into a multi-year partnership with Kalshi, one of the world’s largest prediction platforms. According to PrizePicks CEO Mike Ibarra (pictured), the move into prediction markets was in response to customer demand.
Ibarra described the completion of the deal with Allwyn as a defining moment for the company. He said Allwyn’s global scale, operational expertise and long-term approach make it the ideal partner for further growth. ‘Together, we will continue to build momentum and create innovative products that deepen the engagement of our growing community of players,’ he said.
PrizePicks co-founder and board member Adam Wexler added that from the beginning, the company was built around community and focused on user experience. He expressed confidence that Allwyn shares this philosophy and will be a reliable partner in the next phase of the service’s development. After launching prediction markets, the company intends to strengthen its position in the rapidly growing interactive entertainment market by providing users with new ways to engage and monetise fan activity.
This article was first published in Russian on 20 January 2026.
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