DraftKings has signed a deal to become the official daily fantasy sports provider and an official sports betting operator of the National Hockey League (NHL)’s Nashville Predators.
The deal follows the recent launch of the DraftKings Sportsbook in the Predators’ home state of Tennessee.
The multi-year agreement will feature sponsorship of the team’s Bridgestone Arena, including static dasher board and virtual signage visible on TV for all regionally broadcast Predators games. Signage for DraftKings will also be incorporated on the arena’s Lexus Lounge LED screen for all regular and postseason Predators home games.
DraftKings sports betting lines will be prominently showcased during both pre-game and in-game radio spots, and the organizations will collaborate on digital and social media content, with DraftKings takeovers of the Predators homepage, app integration and social media giveaways.
The operator said the partnership will allow the Predators to bring fans closer to the game of hockey.
“As soon as the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act was passed in April, we immediately began our search for an experienced sports betting partner,” said Chris Junghans, EVP & chief revenue officer, for Nashville Predators.
“With legal sports betting now live in Tennessee, we are thrilled to announce our formal relationship with industry-leading DraftKings. Through this multi-year agreement, Predators fans across the state will have access to the gold standard of sports betting information technology, which provides a competitive, reliable and responsible platform.”
Ezra Kucharz, DraftKings’ chief business officer, added: “After recently launching the top-rated DraftKings Sportsbook app in Tennessee, we are thrilled to continue our momentum in the state by announcing our latest team deal with the Nashville Predators.”
“As a result of this collaboration, Predators fans will get the full DraftKings experience both on and off the ice as we look forward to the return of hockey season.”
The agreement follows several recent sponsorship deals struck by DraftKings in the US. In September, the operator signed a wide ranging partnership with the National Football League (NFL)’s New York Giants, becoming the franchise’s official wagering, igaming and daily fantasy partner.
In October, DraftKings went on to sign up as the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles’ official daily fantasy sports and sports betting partner. The operator has also signed deals across other sports, becoming partner of the National Basketball Association (NBA)’s Detroit Pistons, and sponsoring the comeback fight of boxing legend Mike Tyson in November.
Mobile sports betting went live in Tennessee from November 1, and bettors in the state wagered $27.4m in the market’s first seven days according to figures from the state’s Education Lottery, the body responsible for licensing and regulating the vertical.