The WNBA continues to increase its profile in a season where several rookie players have drawn new fans to the league.
DraftKings has announced that it has agreed to become an official sportsbook and daily fantasy sports partner of the league. California sports betting remains illegal, meaning most of DraftKings’ WNBA marketing will be no more than window dressing at Los Angeles Sparks games.
WNBA soaring in 2024
This news comes as the WNBA inked a new media rights deal worth $2.2 billion, which triples its prior contracts with media partners. The WNBA’s popularity is soaring with the emergence of rookies Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and others.
Attendance records are being set across the league, largely due to the presence of Clark, a guard for the Indiana Fever. Clark set collegiate scoring records with the Iowa Hawkeyes, and has already proven her talent and popularity can attract new fans to the WNBA.
Also last week, before the WNBA All-Star weekend, the league announced a new multiyear partnership with New Balance to create content and products to elevate the WNBA and women’s sports.
Because of its official sportsbook status, DraftKings Sportsbook customers will see data feeds of WNBA games within the app. The potential for real-time odds and live betting will increase as a result. This, again, will not impact Californians.
What does this means for Californians?
DraftKings will also be adding WNBA offerings to its DFS product, which is available in California. The company can use WNBA trademarks, team logos, and select player images in its DraftKings DFS California app.
The WNBA and DraftKings has had a collaboration agreement since 2021, but the new deal allows the sports betting operator to have a major presence in events such as the All-Star Game festivities and the playoffs. It could also lead to an advertising campaign for DraftKings at Los Angeles Sparks games.
“The WNBA is rapidly expanding its reach and DraftKings has an unmatched ability to further generate additional fan engagement,” said DraftKings brand ambassador Lisa Leslie, a former WNBA star for the Sparks and member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “I am looking forward to seeing DraftKings elevate the WNBA’s fan experience in the midst of this record-breaking season.”
FanDuel, a rival with DraftKings for the top spot in the U.S. sports betting market, already has an official betting partner agreement with the WNBA.
The WNBA is a collective venture by the NBA, which owns 50% of the league. The other half is owned by the 12 teams that compete in a 36-game season.