Red Sox Names DraftKings As Official Daily Fantasy Sports Partner

The Boston Red Sox and DraftKings have announced a new deal making the Boston-based operator the official Daily Fantasy Sports provider of the MLB team. The agreement announced by DraftKings through a press release on Wednesday will expand the existing relationship between the two entities.

The new arrangements include additional signage throughout Fenway– a baseball park in Massachusetts and the home for the Boston Red Sox.

The DFS agreement between the two is just a prelude to further cooperation as the state is currently looking to legalize sports betting that will eventually allow professional teams to get involved as key stakeholders.

DraftKings’ Latest Local Partnership

DraftKings-Red Sox deal represents the Boston-based operator’s latest local sponsorship deal in the Northeast, after striking deals with the Boston Celtics and the New England Patriots.

The sponsorship agreement containing content integrations will also see the DraftKings brand being displayed throughout Fenway, in addition to its existing signage atop the iconic Green Monster.

The locally-based operator will have field-level home plate signage, in addition to LED branding along the first and third baseline for one inning at each regular-season home game.

Besides in-stadium branding, Red Sox Foundation will be promoting its DFS partner, DraftKings, via emails, social media posts, and its Red Sox Foundation website.

Muscle-stretching for Sports Betting?

DraftKings’ Wednesday press release indicates that both entities plan to collaborate for sports betting when it’s available to Massachusetts. But before Massachusetts bettors can see a DraftKings Sportsbook at Fenway, the lawmakers need to do some work.

Allowing teams to place books in or near their venues was proposed by two amendments to the House sports betting proposal. That idea may still be considered.

The amended bill – H 3993 – calls for the state’s Gaming Commission to consider giving professional teams and leagues betting licenses. The bill was approved 156-3 in the House last Thursday after which the measure was sent to Senate Ways and Means earlier this week.

DraftKings, Red Sox Thrilled Over New Partnership

DraftKings Chief Business Officer Ezra Kucharz said the company is well-acquainted with the devotion of the Boston sports fans due to its local roots. Believing that the engagement possibilities of the integration are just the beginning, Kucharz said DraftKings is excited to team up with a historic franchise like the Red Sox.

The MLB team was no less thrilled as was reflected from the franchise’s EVP of Partnerships. Troup Parkinson underscored that the two have worked closely since 2015, and are now pleased to have DraftKings on board as its official daily fantasy sports partner.

“With millions delving in the world of DFS, this collaboration positions us well to grow and engage with fans on a reliable platform. We look forward to deepening our partnership in the coming years.”

Massachusetts Senators Remain Quiet on Sports Betting

As of now, Massachusetts Senate has not indicated if it will act on the sports betting bill sent to it this Monday.

Along with H 3993, the upper chamber has its own sports betting proposal – S 269 – from Sen. Eric Lesser. That proposal has not seen any amendment since the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies hearing.

It’s still unclear if the state’s senate adopts the House proposal or moves its own measure since the two bills differ in various areas, including college betting, tax rate, and licensing fees.

If the upper chamber approves S 269, a conference committee is expected to reach a compromise.