Yesterday, both DraftKings and FanDuel entered separate agreements with the NBA’s Detroit Pistons.
Yesterday, the National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise the Detroit Pistons entered two separate partnerships with Flutter Entertainment-owned FanDuel and DraftKings for sports betting.
Both partnerships come as both operators have outlined plans to launch sports betting in the state once the market goes live either next month or in early 2021.
DraftKings and the Pistons
Under the agreement with the Pistons, the fantasy sports provider turned multi-vertical gambling operator will act as the franchises’ official daily fantasy sports partner, as well as an official sports betting and igaming partner.
As a partner, DraftKings will have access to Pistons logos and trademarks, as well as benefiting from branded courtside LED signage and in-game basket pad branding at the Little Caesars Arena.
Pistons fans will also be able to win prizes such as Pistons away game trips, a “Court of Dreams” group event held at the arena and a “Piston for the Day” VIP experience.
Ezra Kucharz, Chief Business Officer, DraftKings said: “As our first professional team activation in the state of Michigan, we are thrilled to join forces with the Detroit Pistons ahead of our pending market introduction. 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.”
Mike Zavodsky, Chief Business Officer, Detroit Pistons said: “We appreciate the partnership-minded and collaborative approach that DraftKings brings to the table. 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.”
FanDuel and the Pistons
The Pistons also announced a deal with FanDuel, which will see the Flutter Entertainment-owned operator act as the team’s official sports betting partner.
Similar to the deal with DraftKings, FanDuel will benefit from the use of official Pistons marks and logos, as well as a mixture of marketing assets. These marketing assets include in-arena signage and activations, TV and digital advertising and a TV and radio presence.
FanDuel has already launched its land-based sportsbook at Detroit’s MotorCity Casino Hotel and the partnership will see the franchise work with the casino to provide fans with giveaways, exclusive viewing parties and other experiences.
Mike Raffensperger, CMO of FanDuel, said: “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.
“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.”
