The NBA’s Detroit Pistons announced DraftKings and FanDuel as official sports betting partners on Monday.
The deals represent the first with a professional team in the state for both companies as Michigan nears launching sports betting in the coming months.
DraftKings also becomes the Pistons’ exclusive daily fantasy partner as part of the agreement.
Both companies will receive access to the team’s marketing assets along with in-arena signage.
“This deal deepens our relationship with a prominent local team to facilitate more immersive fan experiences, both for Michiganders familiar with regulated gaming products as well as newcomers to the space,” said DraftKings chief business officer Ezra Kucharz.
The company will also provide opportunities for fans to compete for “experiential prizes,” including a trip to a Pistons road game.
“We appreciate the partnership-minded and collaborative approach that DraftKings brings to the table,” said Mike Zavodsky, chief business officer for the Pistons. “We look forward to utilizing our platform to help DraftKings grow their presence and connectivity to Pistons fans and to the greater Metro Detroit communities.”
For FanDuel, it is the company’s second partnership with an NBA franchise, following an agreement earlier this month with the Memphis Grizzlies.
The company will offer game-day experiences at the FanDuel Sportsbook at MotorCity Casino in downtown Detroit.
“The Pistons are a progressive and forward-thinking franchise committed to its fans, and we see an incredibly valuable partnership opportunity as we connect our retail Sportsbook experience with Pistons game action in the arena,” said Mike Raffensperger, chief marketing officer of FanDuel.
“This new relationship will create unique approaches for us to reach Pistons fans. With the FanDuel Sportsbook at MotorCity Casino and mobile gaming offerings on the FanDuel Sportsbook app, we will together offer engaging experiences both inside and outside the arena while giving fans access to unique betting promotions and content.”
–Field Level Media
