PointsBet has become a founding partner of new Major League Soccer (MLS) team Austin FC.
As the Texas-based club’s exclusive and official sports betting partner, PointsBet will receive prominent exposure at Austin FC’s new 20,500-capacity Q2 Stadium. The operator will give its name to the PointsBet Sports Bar, which offers food and beverage options as well as hosting 18 television monitors and table games.
While sports betting is not legally available in Texas, the multi-year sponsorship agreement spans the emerging gaming category, including retail and online sports betting, daily fantasy, and free-to-play games. Fans can currently participate in the ‘Lone Star Pick’Em’ free-to-play contest, courtesy of PointsBet’s partner, NBC Sports.
It has been reported that PointsBet has signed a 10-year market access deal with Austin FC and Q2 Stadium that would give it exclusive access to the team’s license should the law allow it. Texas considered a bill recently which sought to grant pro sports teams licenses to partner with operators via their stadiums.
The Austin deal is PointsBet’s first with a major league sports property in Texas and first partnership with an MLS club.
Johnny Aitken, PointsBet USA’s chief executive, said: “As the city’s only major league team, Austin FC has excited global soccer fans and is setting a new standard for what it means to deliver for their supporters and their community by putting a laser-focus on experience.
“That’s exactly what we’re doing in the sports betting industry, and we simply couldn’t be more thrilled to align with the club in its inaugural season as a founding partner.
“We look forward to a future when our groundbreaking technology will be in the hands of Austin FC’s passionate and tech savvy fanbase.”
PointsBet will receive full usage of Austin FC IP, marks, and logos, in addition to various sponsorship opportunities and brand visibility. Austin FC is currently participating in its inaugural MLS season having been founded in 2018.
“PointsBet has emerged as a leader in what is arguably the most competitive and coveted landscape in sports,” said Andy Loughnane, president of Austin FC. “We are honored that PointsBet has chosen to strategically align with Austin FC and Major League Soccer as they continue to expand their impressive North American footprint.”
PointsBet recently entered into a partnership with the National Football League (NFL), becoming an approved sportsbook operator of the competition.
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