DraftKings has expanded partnerships with the Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers. A Feb. 13 official announcement makes DraftKings the exclusive daily fantasy, sportsbook and online casino partner of the 76ers.
It includes the use of official team marks, logos and various branding options. Also, DraftKings will offer VIPs a “Court of Dreams” excursion. It is said to be an all-access look at the 76ers training complex, season tickets and suites for hospitality and promotional use.
Ezra Kucharz, chief business officer at DraftKings commented:
“It is with great enthusiasm that we announce these multi-year partnerships with the Celtics, 76ers, and Pacers. The NBA represents DraftKings’ second-most-popular sport, and we are thrilled to offer our fanbase a continually unique and authentic sports gaming product. Each of these partnerships represent a common strategy and stress the importance NBA teams and DraftKings place on fan engagement and overall customer experience.”
A crowded court of partners
You probably won’t see Ben Simmons take a jump shot during a Sixers game but you will be hit with a barrage of sports betting branding. DraftKings joins an already crowded roster.
In Nov. 2019, FOX Bet became the first online sports betting brand to enter into a partnership with an NBA franchise when they struck a deal with the 76ers. FOX Bet, the sports betting brand of Fox Sports, is an authorized gaming operator of the NBA.
In Oct. 2019, the 76ers teamed with Parx for a multi-year partnership which makes the Bensalem-based casino the team’s “Official Winning Partner of the Philadelphia 76ers.” For each Sixers win, Parx offers a “Win for All” promotion available at its online casino.
The 76ers and the Philadelphia Flyers play their home games at the Wells Fargo Center. In early Oct. 2019, BetRivers.com debuted new sports lounges at the arena. A Rivers Casino Philadelphia Sports Lounge is on the Main Concourse level with ten 86-inch screens, mixed with odds boards and an additional 16 monitors at the bar.
The BetRivers.com Sports Lounge, located on the New City Terrace is equipped with club chairs, bar and table seating and a custom 22-foot long by eight feet tall LED video wall.
In May 2018, Caesars Entertainment signed a multiyear sponsorship deal with Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. HBSE owns the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center in New Jersey. Caesars owns Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino located on the Chester, PA waterfront. The casino has a retail sportsbook but no online offering as of yet.
DraftKings hearts 76ers
The 76ers and DraftKings made history in March 2015. The 76ers were the first NBA team to participate in a private DraftKings fantasy basketball contest and the first NBA team to offer team-branded prizes for DraftKings’ online daily fantasy sports.
Philadelphia 76ers President Chris Heck said of the most recent DraftKings/76ers partnership:
“Today marks a new, exciting chapter in the long-standing relationship between two of the sports industry’s most innovative companies, whose dedication to fan experience consistently raises the bar in the sports partnership space. The 76ers are proud to continue to stand alongside DraftKings as we together create and amplify expanded and differentiated opportunities for fans to engage with our team, dynamic players and sport.”
76ers odds at DraftKings at the All-Star Break
The 76ers head into the All-Star break on a three-game winning streak. Joel Embiid drew the ire of the crowd by “shushing” them during Sunday’s win against the Chicago Bulls. A few days later he took to social media to continue to rile the masses.
It has led some to wonder if Embiid wants to be traded and if he will be moved in the offseason. Although there are no odds as of yet on that or when/if he will “shush” again, there are plenty of other 76ers-centric betting markets. Here’s a rundown of some listed at DraftKings.
NBA All-Star Game MVP:
- Joel Embiid: +1,400
- Ben Simmons: +3,000
NBA MVP winner:
- Joel Embiid: +15,000
- Ben Simmons: +25,000
Rookie of the Year:
Matisse Thybulle: +25,000
Defensive Player of the Year:
- Ben Simmons: +4,000
- Joel Embiid: +5,000
- Matisse Thybulle: +25,000
NBA Championship winner:
- 76ers: +1,400
Division winner:
- 76ers: +800
Conference winner:
- 76ers: +600
