• Loading stock data...
Saturday, January 17, 2026

UFC and DraftKings Join The Fight

  • The UFC has pinned down its first official deal with a sportsbook.
  • The mixed martial arts promotion has agreed to a five-year partnership with DraftKings.
UFC and sportsbook DraftKings come together on a partnership.
DraftKings, Handout Photo-USA TODAY/Design: Alex Brooks

UFC pinned down its first official deal with a sportsbook.

DraftKings advertised during UFC fights last year in Abu Dhabi, but this agreement takes their partnership to new heights.

The mixed martial arts promotion and DraftKings have entered a five-year partnership in a deal worth more than $100 million, per Sportico. The deal also encompasses a $250 million commitment to promote DraftKings’ UFC products.

“These guys have a platform that is second-to-none,” said Lawrence Epstein, COO of UFC to Sportico. “And that’s what makes this deal so groundbreaking.”

DraftKings gets rights to UFC logos for use across its betting and fantasy products, and the sports betting brand will be promoted on the octagon canvas at select UFC events.

UFC and sportsbook partnership will be on full display for the first time this weekend at UFC 259.

“This is the most important deal we’ve ever done to increase engagement with our fans and reach new ones, and I’m looking forward to all the exciting things we’re going to do with DraftKings over the next few years,” said UFC President Dana White.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Polymarket Drawn Into Nevada’s Prediction Market Showdown

Nevada’s gaming regulator is the first to take aim at Polymarket with a lawsuit.
Jun 7, 2025; Newark, New Jersey, UNITED STATES; Kayla Harrison (blue gloves) reacts after defeating Julianna Pena (not pictured) in a bantamweight title bout during UFC 316 at Prudential Center.

UFC on Paramount+ Off to Rocky Start as Prices Rise and Title..

A big UFC title fight between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes has been postponed. 
Bryson
exclusive

NFL, PGA Tour Won’t Let Players Endorse Prediction Markets

The leagues aren’t swayed by Kalshi’s deal with Bryson DeChambeau.
Nov 18, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; American DJ Steve Aoki during the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit.

DraftKings Cofounder, DJ Steve Aoki Accused of Duping NFT Buyers

The proposed class action expects “tens of millions of dollars” in damages.

Featured Today

Sports Goes All In on Non-Alcoholic Drinks Boom

Athletes, teams, and leagues are pouring money into the NA beverage category.
Tulsa Portal House
January 16, 2026

Inside the Tulsa Portal House: ‘This Will Translate to Wins’

The Golden Hurricane set up an over-the-top battle station for football recruiting.
Black Rabbit
January 10, 2026

The Netflix Star Who Makes Sure NBA Players Have Clean Towels

How a Nets staffer landed a breakout role on “Black Rabbit.”
January 9, 2026

NHL Ditched Its Dress Code. Hockey’s Fashion Era Arrived Quickly

With no dress code, impeccably dressed players are seeing big-money deals.
Nov 8, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; A detailed view of an official game ball with the NCAA logo prior to the game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the East Texas A&M Lions at Reed Arena. The Aggies defeated the Lions 87-55.

‘Death, Taxes, and Chinese Basketball’: Wildest Texts in The NCAA Point-Shaving Indictment

The indictments reveal in extreme detail how the scheme was carried out.
Prediction markets
December 31, 2025

Prediction Markets Exploded in 2025. What Comes Next?

After 2025’s prediction-markets mania, the dust may start to settle in 2026.
Sep 26, 2025; Bethpage, New York, USA; Team USA golfer Bryson DeChambeau plays his shot from the first tee on the first day of competition for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
exclusive
January 14, 2026

Kalshi Tees Up First Athlete Deal With Bryson DeChambeau

The prediction-market platform previously made a deal with the NHL’s Blackhawks.
Sponsored

ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025: Inside the Technology Shaping the Future of..

At ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025, ESPN showcased how AI, immersive tech, and a rebuilt direct-to-consumer platform are redefining the future of sports media.
December 30, 2025

ESPN Employee Didn’t Violate Rules in $1 Million DraftKings Win

ESPN researcher Mackenzie Kraemer didn’t break company rules, a source told FOS.
December 30, 2025

Sportsbooks Sue to Stop Chicago’s New Licensing Requirement

DraftKings, FanDuel, and others are crying foul over last-minute budget additions.
December 30, 2025

Why Polymarket Has Avoided Legal Pushback So Far

Regulators have taken a wait-and-see approach since Polymarket’s U.S. relaunch.
Emmanuel Clase
December 26, 2025

2025 Was the Year of Sports Gambling Scandals

Gambling scandals across pro and college sports went mainstream in 2025.