FanDuel and DraftKings have signed deals to become the exclusive sportsbook partners with TNT and TBS sports programming, as well as for Bleacher Report. Under the terms with Turner Sports, FanDuel is the sportsbook for NBA programming, while DraftKings assumes the same role with all other sports, including MLB playoffs. The parties declined to disclose financial terms.
The partnership makes sense for all involved, according to Casino.org. TV networks need more viewers to offset declining ratings and sportsbooks need new customers.
FanDuel will provide viewers with sports betting analysis, while the sportsbook gains access to NBA content, including TNT live telecasts, Bleacher Report digital channels and its app.
“We’ll be incorporating FanDuel Sportsbook odds and analysis into Turner Sport’s live broadcasts and Bleacher Report’s digital content, offering a new, enhanced, experience for NBA fans,” said Mike Raffensperger, FanDuel’s chief marketing officer.
This is not new ground for FanDuel. The company’s odds were already part of TNT’s Inside the NBA studio broadcast. The partnership between FanDuel and Turner Sports began during the recent 2020 NBA Playoffs.
Inside The NBA launched the FanDuel Sportsbook Odds Board, which featured discussion related to the odds and betting percentages for an NBA game. FanDuel was also the title sponsor for Bleacher Report’s betting show, Group Chat.
“Our collective goal is to grow NBA audience via engaging FanDuel interactive gaming experiences integrated across Turner Sports’ platforms,” said Will Funk, Turner Sports’ executive vice president for sports partnerships and branded content.
DraftKings will be part of content segments for other sports, providing betting odds and daily fantasy statistics, and editorial across Bleacher Report channels, including alerts. As an example, a baseball game on TNT tied in the 9th inning might lead to a text alert to tune into the game, and while you’re at it, place a bet.
In addition to the NBA, Turner Sports airs the American League baseball playoffs and NCAA men’s basketball tournament games. But for now, March Madness is not included, Funk told CNBC.
