NBA Agrees with DraftKings to Become Authorized Betting Operator

DraftKings has agreed to a partnership with the NBA, joining other gaming companies that have partnered with the league to become an authorized betting operator while assisting them with quality control and game integrity.

DraftKings joins at least six other companies, including MGM Resorts International and daily fantasy rival, FanDuel, that is provided official sports betting data straight from the league as well as legal rights to use the league’s logos on marketing, mobile apps, and websites.

In another deal that shows how professional sports leagues have completely turned away from their staunch stance against sports betting, the NBA appears to be at the forefront of attempting to cash in on the flood of sports wagering in the United States.

One of the biggest components of the deal will be the agreement for DraftKings to help the league monitor betting activity to spot possible fraud. The partnership begins immediately and is a multi-year agreement between the two companies

“NBA games are among the most captivating, dramatic and widely-consumed sports entertainment products globally, and the advocacy of the league around legal sports betting further demonstrates its consistent foresight to innovate for the betterment of the fan experience,” said Ezra Kucharz, chief business officer at DraftKings.

“The correlation between sports betting and fan engagement is proven, and we look forward to the opportunities that being an Authorized Gaming Operator of the NBA will unlock for consumers.”

Source draftkings.com

With the end of the Major League Baseball season, the NBA becomes a clear top draw for bettors, especially once football season ends with the Super Bowl in February. Becoming an authorized betting operator for the league allows DraftKings to enhance their offerings to customers, especially with live in-game betting.

According to DraftKings, over 70% of NBA bettors on their platforms have bet with the company’s in-game features via their mobile app and in-person sportsbook locations. The agreement with the NBA will enhance and broaden the company’s offerings for in-game bettors as the company now has access to the league’s real-time statistical data.

“We are excited to team with DraftKings, who has established itself as one of the leaders in the sports betting landscape in the U.S. and has a passionate NBA following,” said Scott Kaufman-Ross, Senior Vice President, Head of Fantasy & Gaming, NBA.

“Our partnership will provide our fans with an authentic and enhanced gaming experience and help us further protect the integrity of our games.”

Source draftkings.com

The deal with the NBA further enhances DraftKings’ profile in the ever-growing sports betting market as the company operates sportsbooks in six states including Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, and Iowa. In addition to the NBA, the company has agreements with the MLB, NFL, and the PGA Tour.

With the popularity of the NBA continuing to grow, deals like the one with DraftKings, allows the company to benefit financially while increasing interest in sports as casual bettors continue to discover different betting styles such as in-game betting.