T
he Professional Fighters League (PFL) this week announced a new, multi-year partnership that designates DraftKings as the “Official Sportsbook and Daily Fantasy Partner of the PFL.”
To start the season, wagering on PFL fights via DraftKings will be available for fans across the country, pending regulatory approvals.
DraftKings has exclusive rights to utilize PFL logos and “Official Partner” branding for advertising and promotions, its logo will also be featured in and around the cage. Besides, PFL and DraftKings will collaborate on exclusive, themed content across their social and digital platforms.
PFL is the first in combat sports to capture and distribute real-time fighter data and analytics, integrated into each broadcast and across the league’s digital and social channels and include metrics like punch speed, fighter tracking, kick speed, heart rate, and caloric burn.
DraftKings betting odds will be integrated into each event broadcast across ESPN networks and streaming platforms, as well as during PFL’s pre-fight, show presented by DraftKings and hosted by former college basketball player and ESPN media personality, Jonathan Coachman, alongside former MMA fighter Ian Parker. Moreover, DraftKings will offer cash prizes coupled with PFL-branded pools tied to the league’s regular season, playoffs, and championship events.
“We are excited to further our relationship with the Professional Fighters League as their first official betting and daily fantasy partner. MMA is mainstream. The fan is young, loyal, passionate, and engaged, and PFL delivers an innovative product. We look forward to bringing a premium betting and fantasy experience to this growing audience in what is a monumental partnership for combat sports and the gaming industry,” said Ezra Kucharz, Chief Business Officer of DraftKings.
Peter Murray, CEO of the PFL, stated: “We’re thrilled to partner with DraftKings as we look to advance the sport by delivering a premium and unique betting and gaming experience to the millions of passionate MMA fans in the US. The PFL’s win and advance season format combined with our proprietary SmartCage fight data and analytics offer unmatched prop bets and gaming opportunities. MMA’s league is back with our season debut this Friday, April 23 in primetime on ESPN2, ESPN+, and ESPN Deportes.”
Professional Fighters League has established itself as the No. 2 MMA company in the world. The league has experienced significant YoY growth across digital channels – a 68% follower increase on Instagram, 30% total audience growth across digital, and a 200% social engagement spike. PFL continues to accelerate its global expansion. With the addition of elite fighters to established business executives – and partnering with industry-leading brands such as Anheuser-Busch InBev, GEICO, CarParts.com, and Socios.
