Daily fantasy and sports betting operator DraftKings has entered into a new partnership with the North Carolina-based Charlotte Hornets, of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
The partnership sees DraftKings become the Hornets’ exclusive official daily fantasy sports partner, and the operator said it would greatly increase its presence in North Carolina.
Along with access to Hornets trademarks and logos, the deal also includes DraftKings-branded LED signage to be featured courtside and on the basket stanchion, as well as logo displays on top of the backboards at the Hornets’ home venue, the Spectrum Centre.
The two companies will also collaborate on social media promotions and content to further align their brands. Together, they will develop a free-to-play Hornets themed predictive game, which will be integrated with the team’s mobile app.
The partnership also includes VIP experiential events at games, including press conference access, courtside shootarounds, and coach and staff meet-and-greets.
“Charlotte Hornets basketball games are must-watch TV for the NBA, and we look forward to providing Hornets fans with a best-in-class gaming experience,” said Ezra Kucharz, chief business officer at DraftKings.
“We look forward to deepening our business relationship with the Hornets organization through this new agreement and showcasing DraftKings in North Carolina.”
Hornets Sports & Entertainment’s president and vice-chairman, Fred Whitfield, added: “We’re excited to enter this partnership with DraftKings and bring its daily fantasy sports products to our great Hornets fans.”
“Collaborating with DraftKings will allow us to offer our fans engaging new experiences from the leader in this emerging area.”
Hornets Sport & Entertainment is owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan, who took an equity interest in DraftKings in September. He received the equity in exchange for becoming a special advisor to the operator’s board of directors, offering guidance and strategic advice on key business initiatives.
DraftKings has penned a number of sports sponsorship deals recently, becoming the official daily fantasy sports provider of the National Hockey League (NHL)’s Nashville Predators in December.
The operator is also the official DFS partner of the NBA’s Detroit Pistons, and has signed deals in other sports, such as the comeback fight of boxing legend Mike Tyson in November. Earlier this month, it became the official sports betting partner of the Drone Racing League.