ESPN takes name off betting app and partners with DraftKings

by

ESPN is changing its approach to online sports betting and is no longer working with Penn Entertainment.

I just heard that the deal between Penn and ESPN is off. Apparently, they’re ending their agreement where ESPN had a stake in Penn, the company behind the ESPN Bet app. It’s a big change – the app won’t be called ESPN Bet anymore and will be getting a new name, plus it won’t have the ESPN logo we all know.

ESPN is teaming up with DraftKings, a major sports betting company. DraftKings will provide ESPN with betting odds and information for its shows and online platforms. ESPN commentators will begin using these odds on-air starting December 1st.

Sources say the ESPN-Penn app didn’t perform well financially in the crowded online gambling market, which is currently available in 31 states.

In 2023, Penn Entertainment made a deal with ESPN worth $1.5 billion over ten years. Penn paid this amount for the right to use the ESPN brand on its app. In return, ESPN advertised the app on its channels and featured its personalities in promotions. ESPN also had the option to buy up to 31.8 million shares of Penn stock for an additional $500 million during that time.

Hollywood Inc.

As a huge sports fan, I’ve always thought of ESPN as the place to go for everything sports. But honestly, they’re facing some real challenges right now. More and more people are ditching cable, which hurts them, and the cost of broadcasting rights is going through the roof. Plus, investors aren’t as confident in them as they used to be, which is a little worrying.

As a big sports and entertainment fan, I was really excited when Penn Entertainment and ESPN first teamed up – both companies were aiming to be major players in the sports betting world. While we definitely made some great improvements to the product and built a solid connection between our platforms, we’ve both decided it’s best to end our partnership. It was a friendly split, and we’re moving forward separately.

The agreement is ending soon after the FBI investigated and arrested Miami Heat player Terry Rozier. He’s accused of faking an injury during a game to guarantee a win on a bet he’d placed on his own performance.

ESPN’s choice isn’t connected to the latest headlines; they’ve been discussing a new deal with DraftKings for some time. Removing the ESPN name from a betting app will help protect the brand’s reputation if the current NBA investigation becomes more serious.

Beginning in December, DraftKings will have its app exclusively integrated across ESPN’s platforms.

I’m really impressed to see these companies teaming up to prioritize responsible gaming. It sounds like they’re going to put a lot of effort into educating players and making sure everyone understands how to gamble safely. They’re planning big campaigns and incorporating responsible gaming messages right into their platforms – it’s fantastic to see them take this so seriously!

DraftKings will power the betting feature inside the ESPN app, and ESPN+ subscribers will get exclusive offers and promotions.

DraftKings serves customers in 28 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and Ontario, Canada, with a total customer base exceeding 10 million.

Read More

2025-11-06 21:31