Fubo Gaming, a subsidiary of FuboTV, has agreed a market access deal in Ohio with National Basketball Association team the Cleveland Cavaliers, ahead of the state legalizing sports betting.
The agreement will make Fubo Sportsbook an official mobile sports betting partner of the Cavs when legal sports wagering eventually launches in Ohio.
The partnership will also see a new 3,000sq ft. sports lounge open inside Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the home of the Cavs, to serve as a game-day destination for fans with a range of incentives and special bonus offers from Fubo Sportsbook.
Leading up to Fubo Sportsbook’s official launch in Ohio, the Cavs and Fubo Gaming will promote their partnership through an integrated marketing campaign, highlighted by co-branded, broadcast-visible signage, as well as a presence on team television and radio game programming, and other marketing assets.
Ohio is expected to go live with online and mobile sports betting prior to January 1, 2023, after Governor Mike DeWine set this date as a deadline to launch.
“The opportunity to enter the Ohio sports betting market with the Cavaliers as our partner is a major step forward for Fubo,” Fubo Gaming president Scott Butera said. “Ohio has a passionate fan base who will enjoy Fubo’s uniquely integrated streaming and wagering sports betting experience.
“The Cavs are at the forefront of sports innovation and consistently create highly engaging fan experiences. This partnership provides Fubo instant access to a highly attractive customer base.”
Cavs and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse chief executive Len Komoroski added: “This is an exciting evolution of our continued partnership with Fubo Gaming,” said Len Komoroski, CEO, Cavaliers and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
“The Fubo Sportsbook mobile wagering platform provides leading technology, connectivity and entertainment that aligns perfectly with our commitment to innovation and engagement across every aspect of the fan experience.
“We look forward to the continued collaboration with Fubo as we work to establish a best-in-class sports betting marketplace to offer our fans in Cleveland and throughout the state of Ohio.”
Fubo Gaming launched Fubo Sportsbook in the fourth quarter 2021 and the sportsbook is currently live in two states, Iowa and Arizona.
The operator has secured a total of seven market access agreements for the sportsbook, with deals also in place in Indiana, Jersey, Pennsylvania and, most recently, Texas.
Last month, Tipico also agreed a market access agreement in Ohio, linking up with Major League Soccer team Columbus Crew.