BOSTON & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DraftKings, Inc., a leading destination for daily fantasy sports, today announced a multi-year expansion of its exclusive partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB), making DraftKings the league’s “Official Daily Fantasy Game.” Through the new agreement, DraftKings will offer co-branded MLB daily fantasy games, as well as unique games and fan experiences.
Extending an industry-first partnership originally launched in 2013, MLB also will promote DraftKings daily fantasy baseball games across its extensive media properties, including MLB.com; MLB.TV, the #1 live sports streaming service; official social media properties; MLBAM-developed mobile apps such as the award-winning MLB.com At Bat; and MLB Network. Beyond a significant in-ballpark presence throughout the regular season, DraftKings will be an official sponsor at MLB’s jewel events, including All-Star Week and select Postseason events.
In addition, DraftKings will partner with participating individual MLB clubs to create once-in-a-lifetime, market-specific in-ballpark experiences.
“Two years ago, MLB and DraftKings signed the first league deal in daily fantasy history, and we are excited to deepen that ground-breaking relationship through this new, league wide, exclusive partnership,” said Jason Robins, CEO and co-founder of DraftKings. “MLB has long been at the forefront of embracing new technologies to create superior fan experiences, and DraftKings couldn’t be happier to partner to continue that tradition of innovation.”
“Expanding our exclusive partnership with DraftKings will bring new and exciting ways for fans, particularly younger fans, to play daily fantasy baseball,” said Kenny Gersh, EVP, Business, MLBAM. “DraftKings has established itself as a trusted leader through a high quality fan experience in a rapidly changing space and we are happy to continue to have them on board.”
Baseball is one of DraftKings’ fastest-growing sports. In the past year, the number of active participants in these MLB skill contests has grown nearly eightfold. MLB fans are 35 percent more likely to select players from their hometown teams for their daily fantasy rosters. This partnership will allow existing players and new fans the opportunities to try special contests tailored to their loyalties for their favorite teams with specific offerings featuring those teams.
Daily fantasy sports represents a rapidly growing component of the multi-billion dollar fantasy sports market. DraftKings offers contests for experts and casual players alike. In addition to daily fantasy baseball, DraftKings also offers fantasy contests in major professional and college sports.
About Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball (MLB) is the oldest professional sports league in the United States and consists of 30 member clubs in the U.S. and Canada, representing the highest level of professional baseball. Major League Baseball is the best-attended sport in North America, and the last decade includes all 10 of the best-attended individual seasons by fans in MLB history, with each regular season eclipsing the 73 million mark. Now led by Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr., MLB currently features record levels of labor peace, competitive balance and industry revenues, as well as the most comprehensive drug-testing program in American professional sports. MLB remains committed to making an impact in the communities of the U.S., Canada and throughout the world, perpetuating the sport's larger role in society and permeating every facet of baseball's business, marketing and community relations endeavors. With the continued success of MLB Advanced Media and MLB Network, MLB continues to find innovative ways for its fans to enjoy America's National Pastime and a truly global game. For more information on Major League Baseball, visit mlb.mlb.com.
About DraftKings
Launched in April 2012, Boston-based DraftKings, Inc. is a leading online gaming destination where players engage in daily fantasy sports competitions across fantasy professional baseball, football, golf, basketball, hockey, soccer, and mixed martial arts, and college football and basketball. DraftKings offers free and pay contests every day that award cash prizes. All contests feature a salary cap format, and new contests are offered every day with instantaneous prize distribution for winners. For more information, visit DraftKings at www.draftkings.com, like DraftKings at www.facebook.com/draftkings, and follow DraftKings at www.twitter.com/draftkings.
