DraftKings Deal Will Allow ESPN to Offer Prediction Platform

ESPN may have ditched its sportsbooks, but it isn’t done investing in sports betting just yet.

The World Wide Leader in Sports reached a deal with DraftKings Sportsbook after announcing the closure of ESPN Bet. The agreement allows ESPN to integrate the sportsbook’s odds to replace its failed platform. 

The deal marked a massive win for DraftKings, but the news got even better this week.

ESPN has now confirmed it will integrate the new DraftKings Prediction platform across its platforms. That will include sports prediction markets, which have emerged as a significant threat to regulated sports betting. 

Several states, tribes, and pro sports leagues oppose the controversial offering, but operators continue to operate across the country.

While DraftKings has already established itself in the sports betting and DFS spaces, it will be joining a new industry where its rivals will have far more experience. With its deal with ESPN, the platform will get crucial exposure, winning over bettors who also use DraftKings’ sportsbook or DFS offering. 

DraftKings has yet to announce a launch date for its new prediction platform, so there is no timeline for when it will be added to ESPN platforms. 

Penn Set to Face Off Against ESPN

ESPN and Penn Entertainment both shared kind words as they announced the shuttering of ESPN Bet, but things may not be so cordial.

The former partners had been set to launch the now-defunct ESPN Bet in the new Missouri sports betting market on December 1. That changed three weeks ago, when the two announced the sportsbook would instead shut down on that date. Penn, which owned the Missouri license, decided to launch theScore Bet to replace the platform.

Soon after the stunning announcement, ESPN agreed to partner with DraftKings. The industry leader is also located in Missouri, meaning it competes directly with Penn. While ESPN isn’t involved in the sportsbook itself, the advertising it will provide hands the sportsbooks a massive advantage.

The competition between the former partners will only grow once DraftKings Prediction goes live.