Daily fantasy and sports betting operator FanDuel has struck a new strategic partnership with Tennessee-based National Basketball Association (NBA) team, the Memphis Grizzlies.
The multi-year deal represents FanDuel’s first NBA team sports betting partnership, and sees the operator become official sports betting and exclusive official daily fantasy partner for the team. It also marks the Grizzlies’ first partnership with a sports betting operator.
FanDuel will gain access to official Grizzlies marks and logos to use across its online sports betting and daily fantasy products. It has also secured a range of marketing assets including in-arena signage at the team’s home arena, the FedExForum, and radio, television and digital advertising to promote its offerings directly to Grizzlies fans.
FanDuel will present the team’s home and away television broadcast with multiple integrations, to enhance the from-home viewing experience of fans. The organizations will also collaborate to create unique experiences for FanDuel customers.
The operator is currently offering several promotions to Grizzlies fans, including a no-deposit $20 free bet, and a prize draw to win an autographed Grizzlies jersey.
“As we expand our market-leading sportsbook into Tennessee, partnering with the Grizzlies was a no-brainer given the team’s popularity and long-standing success, as well as their shared mindset of being absurdly fan-focused,” FanDuel chief marketing officer Mike Raffensperger said.
“We are incredibly excited to collaborate with the Grizzlies as we bring unique promotions, product innovation, and engaging online experiences to Grizzlies fans and Tennessee sports fans alike.”
Memphis Grizzlies’ president Jason Wexler added: “We are thrilled to have FanDuel as our first sports betting marketing partner and as our exclusive daily fantasy partner.”
“Grizzlies fans are among the most passionate in the NBA, and we are looking forward to helping them find new ways to access their sports fandom. FanDuel has been an excellent partner in building a program that will showcase why they are one of the best sportsbooks for Grizzlies fans.”
The partnership follows FanDuel’s recent announcement that it had been awarded a license to provide online sports betting in the state of Tennessee.
Sports betting launched in the state on Sunday (November 1), after regulator Tennessee Lottery confirmed on Friday that operators may go ahead and take bets from customers aged 21 and older and located within the state, as planned.
The state therefore became the first to launch online sports betting without a land-based tethering requirement, having passed in a legislative bill without the governor’s signature in May 2019.