DraftKings to boost live betting product with MLB deal
Boston-headquartered operator granted rights to official MLB data and use of MLB marks and logos within its sportsbook products
DraftKings has obtained the rights to use official Major League Baseball (MLB) data for its live betting products as part of a multi-year agreement to become the league’s authorized gaming operator.
The Boston-headquartered company said the deal would provide a major boost to the breadth of its live and in-game wagering offering through the use of an official real-time data feed from the professional sports league.
The partnership also allows DraftKings to use MLB marks and logos within its sports betting products.
“This deal speaks to the commitment we have to our customers and sports leagues alike while providing the safest and most entertaining American-made sportsbook,” Ezra Kucharz, chief business officer of DraftKings, said.
“As a result of this agreement, our customers will experience enhanced live wagering offerings for all MLB games.”
Today, @DraftKings expands our partnership with @MLB to become an Authorized Gaming Operator. Full press release is here: https://t.co/8CmEgH2MU9
— DraftKingsNews (@DraftKingsNews) July 25, 2019
The use of sports data has become a major talking point in recent months, with the MLB’s executive VP of gaming and new business ventures, Kenny Gersh, recently saying US sportsbooks not using official feeds “won’t be around for long.”
“Given DraftKings’ successes in driving fan engagement and immersive experiences, we’re looking forward to an expanded partnership and further collaboration on engaging products,” Gersh said on the DraftKings deal.
“Buoyed by our collective commitments to drive innovation in the US sports betting marketplace, the tools provided to DraftKings – including fast, rich and reliable data feeds and MLB brand marks – will be central to creating these powerful new ways to consume and connect with our sport.”
Speaking at a Sportradar media briefing in London recently, Gersh said MLB also had a deal in the pipeline with FanDuel and was “making good progress” with The Stars Group’s Fox Bet brand.
DraftKings is the second operator to take official MLB data after MGM Resorts became the first official gaming partner of MLB in November.