ESPN announces new sports betting partnership with DraftKings
Table of contents
- ESPN names DraftKings as its official sportsbook and odds provider, starting December 1, 2025.
- The partnership includes integration of DraftKings’ sportsbook and daily fantasy offerings across ESPN platforms.
- ESPN BET sportsbook, operated by PENN Entertainment, will cease operations with a transition to theScore Bet.
ESPN has inked a multi-year agreement with DraftKings, designating the online sportsbook as its official betting partner beginning December 2025.
This follows the early termination of ESPN’s previous 10-year, $2 billion partnership with PENN Entertainment, under which the ESPN BET sportsbook operated.
DraftKings will be fully integrated into ESPN’s platforms, featuring a dedicated betting tab within the ESPN app and incorporating daily fantasy sports.
Company statements
ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro on the strategic nature of the deal:
“Our betting approach has focused on offering an integrated experience within our products. Working with DraftKings, a leader in the space, will allow us to build upon that foundation, continue to super-serve passionate sports fans and grow our ESPN direct-to-consumer business. We are excited about this new collaboration with DraftKings.”
Jason Robins, CEO and Co-Founder of DraftKings, added:
“ESPN’s unmatched visibility across the world of sports make this collaboration a natural fit. As an innovative leader in digital sports entertainment, DraftKings is uniquely positioned to integrate our technology and products with ESPN’s iconic brand and storytelling power. Together, we’re delivering a seamless, engaging, and responsible experience that elevates how fans connect with live sports.”
The ESPN BET sportsbook, launched in November 2023 under PENN’s management, struggled to capture significant market share, holding approximately 3% of the US market by October 2025, far behind leaders DraftKings and FanDuel with 35% and 30%, respectively.
PENN will transition ESPN BET customers to theScore Bet, retaining user data to facilitate the change.
Market reactions
Market reaction was favourable for DraftKings, with its stock rising approximately 8% following the announcement. Conversely, PENN shares dipped but recovered later, reflecting investor recognition of the shift’s strategic implications for both companies.
DraftKings serves more than 10 million customers in 28 US states, Washington, D.C., and Ontario, Canada.
Pitaro also noted ESPN’s ongoing commitment to responsible gaming through the partnership. DraftKings will feature prominently in ESPN’s ecosystem, with the comprehensive rollout expected in 2026.
Operators and investors will view this as a key development signalling ESPN’s intent to deepen fan engagement and expand its direct-to-consumer revenue streams in sports betting.
The ESPN BET brand will repurpose into a content and media platform, directing bettors to DraftKings for wagering activities, representing a strategic pivot from direct sportsbook operations.
Image credit: Getty Images
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