The Professional Fighters League announced that DraftKings would be the official sportsbook and daily fantasy partner of the PFL per company press release.
The deal is for multi-years that will make DraftKings the “Official Sportsbook and Daily Fantasy Partner of the PFL.” Notably, DraftKings was named the “Official Sportsbook and Daily Fantasy Partner” of the UFC in the U.S. and Canada.
The deal with the PFL will leverage the company’s proprietary ‘SmartCage’ for prop bets in the near future such as the over/under on the speed of a strike of a fighter.
Via PFL press release:
As Official Sportsbook and Daily Fantasy Partner of the PFL, live odds will be integrated into each event broadcast across ESPN networks and streaming platforms, as well as during PFL’s pre-fight show presented by DraftKings and hosted by former college basketball player and ESPN media personality, Jonathan Coachman, alongside former MMA fighter Ian Parker. Additionally, DraftKings will offer cash prizes coupled with PFL-branded pools tied to the league’s regular season, playoffs and championship events. These offerings expand on the 2019 PFL Championship Pick’Em game, which garnered over 30,000 submissions and featured six, million-dollar world title fights on New Year’s Eve.
“We are excited to further our relationship with the Professional Fighters League as their first official betting and daily fantasy partner,” said Ezra Kucharz, Chief Business Officer of DraftKings. “MMA is mainstream. The fan is young, loyal, passionate, and engaged, and PFL delivers an innovative product. We look forward to bringing a premium betting and fantasy experience to this growing audience in what is a monumental partnership for combat sports and the gaming industry.”
DraftKings’ logos will also be featured in and around the cage, and DraftKings has exclusive rights to utilize PFL logos and “Official Partner” branding for advertising and promotions. Additionally, PFL and DraftKings will collaborate on exclusive, themed content across their social and digital platforms.
Payout Perspective:
The deal advances the DraftKings brand throughout the MMA space as it has obtained the rights to the UFC and the PFL. With sports betting gaining traction across the U.S., the deal should facilitate DraftKings as a major force in the sports betting world of MMA.
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