DraftKings is now an official sports betting partner and daily fantasy sports partner of the WNBA.
The partnership, announced Thursday, gives DraftKings access to the league’s intellectual property and each of its 12 teams, along with official WNBA data for betting purposes.
Prior to the agreement, FanDuel had been the league’s only fantasy partner since 2017, a contract extended in 2022 to include sports betting.
DraftKings notes ‘increased media exposure’
A press release touts the “increased media exposure” DraftKings will see across the WNBA’s digital and linear media platforms, including a sponsorship spot on the “WNBA Postseason Push,” the league’s new content platform that will debut during the last two weeks of the regular season.
“The WNBA has seen tremendous growth, which continues to be a bright spot in the sports world. We are proud to support the league in its efforts to continue expanding the game,” DraftKings president Matt Kalish said in a statement.
Banking on WNBA craze
DraftKings has been the NBA’s co-official sportsbook since 2021, a partnership it has attempted to capitalize on with various apparel collaborations. The NBA owns 60% of the WNBA.
Last year, CEO Jason Robins was vocal about winding down the company’s commitment to costly partnerships. He cited several partners that had agreed to rework deals and deals the company would not renew, which ended up including ESPN.
Robins has been more vocal lately about partnerships needing to be more efficient, like the one DraftKings signed with Barstool Sports earlier this year.
WNBA media rights balloon
The company’s partnership with the WNBA comes on the heels of the league signing landmark new media rights deals, reportedly worth up to $2.2 billion over 11 years.
ESPN reported that WNBA games averaged 1.32 million viewers through June, up nearly 300% year over year and the best TV ratings in league history. Merchandise sales meanwhile rose 236% through June, with rookies Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Cameron Brink rounding out the top five for jersey sales to start the season.
