DraftKings has announced a significant new partnership with the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), becoming an official sports betting and daily fantasy partner. This collaboration, unveiled during the WNBA All-Star Game weekend, marks a pivotal moment in sports betting, particularly in women’s sports, reflecting increased interest and engagement in the sector.
This partnership allows DraftKings to utilize league and collective team intellectual property, providing the company with enhanced marketing, activation, and hospitality opportunities at major league events, including the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game. DraftKings will also integrate official WNBA data feeds to enrich the sports betting experience for fans.
The agreement builds on DraftKings’ existing relationship with the NBA, established in 2021, and leverages their platform to increase fan engagement through advanced sports betting and fantasy sports features. According to Matt Kalish, President of DraftKings North America, this partnership is set to “deliver the most engaging WNBA content to DraftKings’ platforms,” highlighting the company’s commitment to enhancing the experience for its customers and WNBA fans alike.
Lisa Leslie, a Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and DraftKings Talent Ambassador, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration. “The WNBA is rapidly expanding its reach, and DraftKings has an unmatched ability to further generate additional fan engagement,” Leslie stated, according to a press release published by DraftKings. She emphasized the potential for this partnership to elevate the WNBA’s fan experience significantly during a record-breaking season.
Increased Media Exposure Plus Responsible Gaming Initiatives
In terms of specifics, DraftKings will gain increased media exposure on the WNBA’s digital and linear media platforms. One of the key features of the partnership is DraftKings’ role as the presenting partner of the “WNBA Postseason Push,” a new content platform that will feature league highlights, social integrations, and odds updates focused on the WNBA standings during the final two weeks of the regular season.
Colie Edison, WNBA Chief Growth Officer, noted the growth and expansion of the league and the importance of collaborating with industry leaders like DraftKings to offer fans more ways to engage with their favorite teams and players responsibly. “This opportunity for DraftKings to lean in with us to support women’s sports will welcome more fans to the WNBA,” Edison added.
The partnership is also committed to promoting responsible gaming. Both DraftKings and the WNBA are active members of the American Gaming Association (“AGA”) and support the AGA’s “Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly” public service campaign. This initiative encourages responsible gaming practices such as setting a budget and only submitting wagers with licensed operators.
Moreover, the WNBA is a member of The Coalition for Responsible Sports Betting Advertising, which makes efforts to ensure a responsible approach to sports betting advertising. This association reflects a shared commitment to integrity and responsibility in the growing field of sports betting.