Lynnae is a journalist covering the intersection of technology, culture, and gambling. She has more than five years of experience as a writer and editor, with bylines at SlashGear and MakeUseOf. On the iGaming side,...
Read Full BioESPN and DraftKings are officially partners. In a joint statement this morning, the companies announced that they had entered into a multi-year agreement, which will see DraftKings become ESPN’s official sportsbook and odds provider. The announcement came less than an hour after PENN Entertainment and ESPN released a statement saying they were parting ways, effective December 1, 2025, the same day the ESPN–DraftKings deal goes into effect.
Under the new deal, DraftKings will bring its sportsbook, daily fantasy products, and Pick6 to ESPN’s platforms, including its mobile app and direct-to-consumer streaming service. Additional features are expected to go live across ESPN’s platforms in 2026.
Jason Robins, CEO and Co-Founder of DraftKings, described the partnership as a “natural fit,” adding that, “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.”
The collaboration pairs ESPN’s massive reach and sports audience with DraftKings’ expertise in online betting and fantasy sports. The two companies reiterated their commitment to responsible gaming and said they will dedicate resources to “raise customer awareness and promote responsible play through campaigns and integrations.”
ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro had this to say about the partnership: “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.”
New Chapter for ESPN
ESPN isn’t a stranger to the sports betting market, having previously partnered with PENN Entertainment to launch ESPN BET in 2023. At the time, the sports network granted PENN a 10-year license to use ESPN’s brand for a reported $150 million per year.
As that agreement comes to an end early, after ESPN BET failed to reach market share targets, ESPN is shifting its focus to a new partnership with DraftKings. In the meantime, ESPN BET users will migrate to theScore Bet, PENN’s existing Ontario-based sportsbook, which the company says will serve as its unified platform across the U.S. and Canada.
Pitaro acknowledged PENN’s contributions, noting that ESPN and Penn “created a truly unique offering with unparalleled integrations” but said the network is now pursuing “other media and marketing opportunities within this space.”
DraftKings’ Stock Surges After Announcement
The market didn’t waste any time reacting to the news of the partnership between ESPN and DraftKings. Following the announcement, DraftKings (NASDAQ: DKNG) shares rose 8%, signaling investor confidence in the company’s expanded visibility thanks to its new agreement with ESPN.
Only time will tell if the market’s optimism will hold, but today’s early surge highlights the attention and expectations surrounding DraftKings’ new deal with ESPN.
For fans, the new partnership might make watching games feel like sitting in a sportsbook as betting features become an even bigger part of mainstream sports coverage.
This new agreement is a significant shift in ESPN’s betting strategy, positioning DraftKings at the center of its new approach to sports wagering.
