FanDuel inks Women’s NBA partnership extension
US sportsbook market leader agrees multiyear partnership deal renewal after five years
FanDuel has agreed a multiyear extension of its existing partnership with the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
Under the new partnership, FanDuel becomes the official sportsbook partner of the WNBA, adding to its existing official daily fantasy partnership, as well as the firm’s operation of the league’s official daily fantasy game.
FanDuel will have the ability to leverage WNBA marks across its gaming platforms, as well as activate around retail and online sports betting.
The company will also engage with fans through WNBA-themed free-to-play games. In future seasons, FanDuel betting odds will also be featured on WNBA digital channels on select pages.
In addition, FanDuel and the WNBA will collaborate on responsible gaming and work to advance best-in-class practices aimed at protecting the integrity of WNBA games.
FanDuel CEO Amy Howe welcomed the extension of the deal into sports betting, citing the firm’s drive to advance women’s causes in sport.
“FanDuel has made a concerted effort to support sports equity,” Howe said.
“We are tangibly acting to elevate female athletes and one important way to do that is growing strategic partnerships with an organization that is the true pioneer in the space – the WNBA.
“This new deal allows FanDuel to build and promote a true sports ecosystem around women’s professional basketball including highlights now on FanDuel TV,” Howe added.
Since agreeing the original partnership five years ago, the WNBA has become a summer staple for FanDuel sports betting and has drawn significant interest over the summer months this year at the firm’s retail sportsbooks.
According to data released by the operator, FanDuel has seen increases of 270% in bet count and 101% in handle year over year for WNBA betting across all FanDuel Sportsbook retail locations.
FanDuel will have a series of content integrations including highlights accessible within its sportsbook and fantasy sports platforms next season.
The company will also have access to footage rights on FanDuel’s owned and produced content across its various platforms, including its recently announced television network, FanDuel TV, and new OTT network FanDuel+.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert echoed many of Howe’s comments, citing the role of FanDuel in raising awareness.
“We continue to see increased interest from a broadening fanbase in the WNBA,” Engelbert said.
“Fans are seeking more ways to engage with our game, and FanDuel has been a great partner in growing their offering to meet that demand, as shown by our partnership renewal.
“In the seasons ahead, we look forward to building on this strong partnership and working with FanDuel to introduce increased offerings as part of our focus on new and innovative ways to drive fan engagement and enhance the fan experience,” she added.