• Loading stock data...
Sunday, August 31, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Get your ticket now!

ESPN Reportedly Seeking $3B to License Name to Sportsbook

  • ESPN is looking to license its name to a sports betting company, seeking at least $3 billion over multiple years.
  • The company is in talks with sportsbooks, including DraftKings and Caesars Entertainment
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sport/Design: Alex Brooks

What’s in a name? ESPN is hoping the answer is at least $3 billion.

The Disney-owned sports media giant is looking to leverage the familiarity sports fans have with its brand by licensing its name to a sports betting company.

No pact is imminent at this time. Front Office Sports reported in June that an ESPN-branded sportsbook could be on the way.

  • ESPN is seeking at least $3 billion in a multiyear deal, per The Wall Street Journal. A company could rename its sportsbook to include “ESPN” as part of the deal.
  • ESPN is in talks with multiple sportsbooks, including current marketing partners DraftKings and Caesars Entertainment.
  • A deal could come with requirements that the sports betting company purchase a certain amount of advertising on ESPN’s platforms.

ESPN has podcasts — and a section of its website called “Chalk” — devoted to sports betting but has avoided operating as a sportsbook.

Sportsbooks are expected to earn over $1.5 billion from at least $20 billion in football bets in the upcoming season.

Editor’s note: DraftKings is an FOS partner.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

MLB Extends Leaves of Clase, Ortiz as Betting Probe Continues

Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were put on paid non-disciplinary through Aug. 31; now their leaves have been extended “until further notice.”
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
Mar 12, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani talks with translator Ippei Mizuhara in the dugout against the San Francisco Giants during a spring training baseball game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale.

Bookie Believes Shohei Ohtani ‘Was Aware’ of Interpreter’s Gambling

Mathew Bowyer ran the illegal gambling business used by interpreter Ippei Mizuhara.
Jason Kelce
exclusive

YouTube Approached Jason Kelce for Chiefs Game, ESPN Said No

ESPN continues to enforce its policy of not lending talents to streamers.

Featured Today

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
August 23, 2025

Schools Are Hesitant to Allow PE Into Their Athletic Departments

Regardless of budget, schools don’t believe the risk is worth the reward.
Oct 2, 2024; Rosemont, IL, USA; Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti speaks with the media during the 2024 Big Ten Women’s Basketball media day at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
August 22, 2025

‘Not Ready to Jump In’: Power 4 Commissioners Aren’t Sold on PE

Top leaders in college sports have yet to see a satisfactory proposal.
Rob Bonta

Users Sue Daily Fantasy Companies After California Calls Them Illegal

Underdog Sports and Boom Fantasy were separately sued.
Malik Beasley
August 22, 2025

Malik Beasley Could Still Be Charged in Gambling Probe Despite Feds Dropping..

Beasley’s lawyer is hoping his client can return to the NBA.
Saquon Barkley
August 25, 2025

NFL Warns Prediction Markets Are Sports Betting With Less Oversight

League officials say the markets “mimic” sports betting.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
A view of the FanDuel Sportsbook betting area at Belterra Park Cincinnati.
August 20, 2025

FanDuel Enters Prediction Markets, but With No Sports

The company is partnering with derivatives exchange CME Group.
Dec 18, 2024; Inglewood, CA, USA; UNLV Rebels defensive back Rashod Tanner (41) celebrates after defeating the California Golden Bears in the LA Bowl at SoFi Stadium.
August 20, 2025

Robinhood Reactivates Sports Contracts in NJ and NV, Sues State Regulators

The suits were filed the same day Robinhood announced new football offerings.
Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Quinshon Judkins (1) and quarterback Will Howard (18) celebrate after a touchdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
August 19, 2025

Robinhood to Roll Out Football Prediction Markets

The new event contracts come on the heels of Kalshi’s expanded football offerings.
August 18, 2025

Limitations on Prop Bets Supported by NBA, Players’ Union

The union is trying to combat online and in-person harassment.