ESPN Ends Partnership with PENN Entertainment
ESPN has mutually terminated its exclusive U.S. online sports-betting agreement with PENN Entertainment. This change was announced just minutes before revealing a new partnership.
New Deal with DraftKings
ESPN disclosed a multiyear agreement naming DraftKings as its Official Sportsbook and Odds Provider. The ESPN BET sportsbook will be discontinued on December 1, 2025. Following this, the "ESPN BET" brand will transition into a sports-betting content platform integrated with DraftKings Sportsbook across ESPN’s channels.
Plans for 2026 Rollout
The full integration of DraftKings services into ESPN’s ecosystem is planned for 2026, enhancing the betting experience for sports fans.
Statements from ESPN Leadership
“Our betting approach has focused on offering an integrated experience within our products,” said ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro. “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.”
DraftKings’ Role and User Benefits
- DraftKings will power the betting tab on the ESPN app and feature prominently across ESPN’s digital platforms.
- At launch, users can access DraftKings sportsbook, daily fantasy sports, and DraftKings Pick6 through ESPN.
- ESPN customers will enjoy exclusive promotions on the ESPN Unlimited direct-to-consumer product.
ESPN shifts from a dedicated sportsbook to an integrated sports-betting content provider by partnering with DraftKings, aiming to enhance fan engagement and expand its direct consumer offerings.