DraftKings has become the official daily fantasy sports partner of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets.
The US sports betting and daily fantasy sports (DFS) provider DraftKings has been named as the official DFS partner of the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Charlotte Hornets.
This comes after DraftKings launched its sports betting product in the state of Virginia on Sunday.
DraftKings and the Hornets
Under the deal with the Hornets, DraftKings will become the team’s exclusive DFS partner and gain access to Hornets trademarks and logos. In addition to this, the operator will gain access to branded LED signage which will be featured courtside, on the basket stanchion and on the backboards at the team’s home venue, the Spectrum Center.
DraftKings expects the agreement to greatly increase its presence in the state of North Carolina.
Both businesses will also work together on social media promotions and content. They will work together to develop a free-to-play Hornets themed prediction game which will be integrated into the team’s mobile application.
The agreement also covers VIP experience events at games which will include courtside shootarounds, coach and staff meet and greets and access to press conferences.
Ezra Kucharz, chief business officer at DraftKings said: “Charlotte Hornets basketball games are must-watch TV for the NBA, and we look forward to providing Hornets fans with a best-in-class gaming experience. “We look forward to deepening our business relationship with the Hornets organization through this new agreement and showcasing DraftKings in North Carolina.”
Hornets Sports & Entertainment President & Vice Chairman Fred Whitfield said: “We’re excited to enter this partnership with DraftKings and bring its daily fantasy sports products to our great Hornets fans. Collaborating with DraftKings will allow us to offer our fans engaging new experiences from the leader in this emerging area.”
This deal comes after the NBA legend Michael Jordan, who owns Hornets Sport & Entertainment, took an equity interest in the gambling operator in September 2020. Jordan received the equity in exchange for being a special advisor to DraftKings’ board of directors.
Another deal for DraftKings
DraftKings has been hard at work expanding its presence in the world of US sports. Earlier this month, the operator became the official sports betting partner of the Drone Racing League.
In December, the operator became the official DFS provider of the National Hockey League’s Nashville Predators. The operator also became the official DFS partner of the NBA’s Detroit Pistons last year.
In November DraftKings also signed a deal that saw it sponsor boxing legend Mike Tyson’s comeback fight.