Writer’s Strike End a Boon for Sports Networks, Agencies
ESPN continues to expand its sports betting partnerships and coverage. The network signed co-exclusive deals with DraftKings and Caesars Entertainment’s betting provider William Hill.
The deals are expansions of partnerships already in place with the two sports betting operators. ESPN recently opened a studio in Las Vegas at Caesars Entertainment’s The LINQ Hotel + Experience.
Deal Details:
- Caesars-William Hill: Exclusive odds provider and sportsbook link-out provider; Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill will sponsor ESPN fantasy products.
- DraftKings: Exclusive daily fantasy sports provider and sportsbook link-out provider; power integration across content including segments on studio shows.
With the news of the deals, ESPN said it would also be expanding its betting coverage. Along with the “Daily Wager” program on ESPN, it announced a three-night-a-week digital show called “Bet” and said it will launch a YouTube channel dedicated to sports betting content.
ESPN is throwing a lot behind its betting coverage. But it appears while sports betting is taking off across the U.S., the studio shows have yet to reach core content viewers.
On Tuesday, Sept. 8:
- Traditional talking heads show “Pardon the Interruption” averaged 311,000 viewers at 5:30-6 p.m.
- “Daily Wager” averaged 92,000 viewers from 6-7 p.m.
