Barclays Premier League club Arsenal FC have signed onto a sponsorship deal with DraftKings, making the Boston-based company their official daily fantasy sports sponsor. The popular sports brand have also agreed to partnerships with Liverpool FC and Watford FC.
What is DraftKings?
DraftKings is a site offering daily fantasy sports contests, mostly of events popular in the United States. Their startup in the USA exploded in 2012 and has become a massive money-making business, and now the site has begun their global initiative to expand to the UK and other sport-passionate regions outside the current market.
Access to the site has been banned in the state of New York along with competitors FanDuel due to an attorney general's ruling that it involved betting and gambling considered illegal under state law. Read VAVEL USA Editor-in-Chief Ben Anderson's take on the whole situation.
Perks for both sides of the agreement
Chief Executive Officer Jason Robins of DraftKings commented on the new long-term agreement, saying the company are "proud to be partnering with Arsenal" because "they are one of the world’s most recognised football clubs" and "hugely popular in North America."
The global expansion strategy, Robins noted, is eager to begin "introducing Arsenal fans to our daily fantasy sports product," additionally hoping "supporters will enjoy the added entertainment DraftKings will bring to their matchday experience.”
Arsenal's Chief Commercial Officer, Vinai Venkatesham, stated himself that the club "are delighted to be partnering with DraftKings" and want to "ensure Arsenal fans, and football fans in general, have access to unique daily and weekly fantasy Premier League and sport-related contests."
Following DraftKings' launch in the UK, Arsenal fans in North America and the UK will have the opportunity to win special club prizes such as matchday tickets, team merchandise, and VIP experiences. Arsenal's official statement added that DraftKings representatives will be present at every domestic Emirates Stadium home match, employing the use of "marketing activities" that are also to be "promoted through the club’s digital and social media channels."