MLB expands DraftKings partnership to include live game streaming
‘Bet & Watch’ feature headlines extension of DFS and sports betting relationship
Major League Baseball (MLB) is set to delve deeper into the sports betting realm after agreeing to an expansion of its partnership with DraftKings, highlighted by the addition of live streaming of MLB games within the DraftKings app.
The showpiece feature of the partnership, ‘Bet & Watch,’ will allow fans with active MLB.com and DraftKings accounts to watch a free, live game in the sports betting app.
As part of the expanded relationship, DraftKings also joins BetMGM as a co-exclusive official sports betting partner of MLB, while remaining the league’s official daily fantasy sports (DFS) partner.
“In 2012, MLB helped ignite the daily fantasy industry by becoming our first-ever league partner,” said DraftKings president and co-founder Matt Kalish.
“And that same foresight has persisted over the years as our organizations look to disrupt and innovate further through this expansion.”
Enhanced broadcasts and in-app streaming are rapidly becoming the next frontier in the union of sports betting and sports consumption, with PointsBet’s NBC partnership and FanDuel’s NHL deal representing a prominent example of each.
DraftKings is the first operator to do something similar with MLB.
“For nearly a decade, our growing relationship with DraftKings has been rooted in fan engagement and the second-screen immersion of sports gaming and entertainment products,” said MLB EVP of business development Kenny Gersh.
“This next iteration of unique and experiential offerings is something we look forward to rolling out together as baseball fans continue to embrace technological advances.”
Other elements of the partnership include plans to collaborate on future sports betting-themed broadcast experiences that will live within the MLB.TV product, in addition to a host of expanded promotional rights beginning with the 2021 T-Mobile Home Run Derby on July 12.
DraftKings will also be an official sports betting partner throughout the entirety of the 2021 MLB postseason, with digital odds displays and virtual signage among its on-site brand exposure, along with activation opportunities during all MLB Jewel events.