Major League Baseball and DraftKings announced yesterday an extension of its existing daily fantasy sports and sports betting relationship, which will include expanded promotional rights and content inclusive of the sports betting category.
Among the key components of the expanded relationship are rights to a “Bet & Watch” streaming integration where fans with open and active MLB.com and DraftKings accounts will be able to watch a free, live, MLB game within the DraftKings app. In addition, DraftKings and MLB plan to collaborate on future sports betting-themed broadcast experiences within the MLB.TV.
DraftKings is now a co-exclusive Official Sports Betting Partner of MLB, joining BetMGM. As part of the expanded relationship, DraftKings remains the exclusive Official Daily Fantasy Sports partner of Major League Baseball.
“In 2012, MLB helped ignite the daily fantasy industry by becoming our first-ever league partner, and that same foresight has persisted over the years as our organizations look to innovate further through this expansion,” said Matt Kalish, President DraftKings North America and co-founder.
Pursuant to the agreement, DraftKings will be an Official Sports Betting Partner throughout the entire MLB Postseason and have on-site brand exposure and activation opportunities during all MLB Jewel Events. These touchpoints will debut as part of the 2021 T-Mobile Home Run Derby, including an on-field “Hit It Here” trigger where fans can win tickets to a 2021 World Series game. Additionally, DraftKings is offering two free-to-play pools around this year’s Home Run Derby, totaling $50K in prizes.
“For nearly a decade, our growing relationship with DraftKings has been rooted in fan engagement and the immersion of sports gaming and entertainment products,” said Kenny Gersh, MLB Executive Vice President, Business Development. “This next iteration continues to embrace technological advances.”
