The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has announced a new multi-year renewal collaboration with its betting partner, FanDuel Group.
This new agreement establishes Flutter Entertainment’s gambling company as the WNBA’s official sportsbook and daily fantasy partner.
FanDuel first partnered with the North American Basketball League in 2017, marking the company’s first partnership with a women’s sports property, and it was also the first major fantasy provider to introduce a committed WNBA game.
FanDuel will continue operating the WNBA’s official free-to-play daily fantasy game. It will also obtain a permit to official marks throughout its gambling platforms, such as highlights.
FanDuel’s fantasy platform, along with the recently introduced FanDuel TV linear channel and FanDuel+ streaming service, will all feature WNBA content.
The WNBA’s digital channels will also showcase FanDuel betting odds as part of the broadening agreement. Over the last year, FanDuel’s sportsbook retail locations have seen WNBA betting counts upsurge by 270 per cent, with handle increasing by 101 per cent.
Amy Howe, FanDuel’s Chief Executive, said, “FanDuel has made a concerted effort to support sports equity. We are tangibly acting to elevate female athletes and one important way to do that is growing strategic partnerships with an organisation that is the true pioneer in the space – the WNBA.
“This new deal allows FanDuel to build and promote a true sports ecosystem around women’s professional basketball including highlights now on FanDuel TV.”
Cathy Engelbert, the WNBA commissioner, commented, “We continue to see increased interest from a broadening fanbase in the WNBA. Fans are seeking more ways to engage with our game, and FanDuel has been a great partner in growing its offering to meet that demand, as shown by our partnership renewal.
“In the seasons ahead, we look forward to building on this strong partnership and working with FanDuel to introduce increased offerings as part of our focus on new and innovative ways to drive fan engagement and enhance the fan experience.”