DraftKings re-ups with Madison Square Garden

DraftKings has announced the renewal of its partnership with the Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) (NASDAQ: MSG), which will see the Boston-based operator become sports betting partner of the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) New York Knicks and the National Hockey League’s New York Rangers as well as the New York City arena.

According to the January 2, 2020 press release…

The Massachusetts operator will continue to serve as the exclusive daily fantasy sports (DFS) sponsor of the company, in addition to a DFS partnership with the Westchester Knicks of the NBA’s G League.

Partnership details:

DraftKings will, via the extended agreement, benefit from grand integration across MSG assets, to include out-of-home signage, in-game promotions and digital platforms.

Also included in the partnership is exposure during every Rangers and Knicks game and throughout broadcasts on MSG networks, as well as DFS promotions during games of the Westchester Knicks.

Chief Business Officer for DraftKings, Ezra Kucharz, said in the official press release…

“We are very proud to be named the official sports betting partner and continue as the DFS partner of the world’s most famous arena and for two of the most iconic franchises in all of sports that play there.

“The Madison Square Garden Company is known for providing fans with unforgettable moments and this emphasis on immersive engagement perfectly complements DraftKings and our like-minded commitment to experiential excellence.”

Also commenting was Executive Vice President, Marketing Partnerships for the Madison Square Garden Company, Ron Skotarczak, who added…

“DraftKings has established itself as one of the most successful gaming companies in the industry and we are honored to continue our partnership with their incredible brand.

“We are both committed to ensuring that our customers have the best possible experience and we look forward to continuing to work closely with DraftKings on programs and promotions that benefit both of our businesses in significant and measurable ways.”

Recent agreements:

In addition to entering into an agreement to acquire sports betting supplier SBTech, last month, DraftKings and the New Hampshire Lottery launched mobile and online sports betting in the New England state. The official launch on December 30, 2019, saw Governor Chris Sununu place the Granite State’s ceremonial first legal sports wager on the National Football League’s New England Patriots to win Super Bowl LIV 2020, alongside co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer for DraftKings, Matt Kalish, and former outside linebacker Rob Ninkovich, who won two Super Bowls with the Pats.

After being chosen via a competitive bidding process, in late November 2019, the Executive Council approved DraftKings’ contract with the New Hampshire Lottery. As part of the agreement, the New England state will receive 50% of sports betting revenue, which will support the Lottery’s mission to drive funds in support of education in the state.