When news broke that PENN Entertainment and ESPN mutually agreed to end their exclusive U.S. online sports betting agreement a full seven years ahead of schedule, chatter online was nearly instant. The move marks a significant shift in both companies’ approach to the rapidly evolving sports wagering landscape.
The termination will take effect on December 1 with ESPN and PENN, with the network’s new partnership with DraftKings beginning on the same day. The deal with ESPN and DraftKings will make the company the exclusive Official Sportsbook and Odds Provider of ESPN. Under the agreement, DraftKings products will be exclusively integrated across the network’s platforms. This includes the ESPN app, website, and direct-to-consumer offerings.
A full rollout is expected in 2026 by ESPN. Featuring access to DraftKings’ sportsbook, daily fantasy games, and its Pick6 product at launch.
Sports media was filled with reactions to the news that ESPN and PENN Entertainment ended their agreement just two years after the betting company ended their former relationship with Barstool Sports. While ESPN BET will transition from an active sportsbook brand into a betting content brand supported by DraftKings integrations. That includes ESPN BET Live, which airs weekdays on ESPN2, as well as dedicated social and digital channels that will highlight odds, analysis, and betting insights
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