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Major League Baseball (MLB) has named fantasy sports provider and sportsbook operator FanDuel as an official gaming partner.
The multi-year deal gives FanDuel the right to use official MLB data, along with league and team marks and logos, across its online sports betting products and retail sportsbooks.
The partnership, which is FanDuel’s first with MLB or one of its teams, is the third gaming tie-up to be signed by the North American baseball league since the US Supreme Court’s decision to legalise sports betting in the country, adding to its existing arrangements with MGM Resorts International and DraftKings.
“FanDuel has proven itself to be a leader in the sports betting space and has shifted a step ahead again through its commitment to, and recognition of, the value in being an authorised gaming operator,” said Kenny Gersh, MLB’s vice president of gaming and new business ventures.
“Now having access to our official sports betting data feeds and MLB brands, we’re looking forward to the creative sports betting and fan experience innovations FanDuel will develop.”
According to an official release, FanDuel plans to utilise the partnership to enhance in-play betting around baseball. In-play wagering apparently accounts for more than half of FanDuel Sportsbook’s total business.
FanDuel already has similar agreements with the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the league’s Brooklyn Nets franchise, as well as the National Hockey League (NHL) and its New Jersey Devils team.
“Fantasy sports and sports betting have become a national pastime in their own right, so it's natural to join forces with Major League Baseball,” added Kip Levin, president and chief operating officer of FanDuel Group. “MLB clearly understands how working together can be beneficial for baseball fans and both companies alike.”