US fantasy sports operator DraftKings has further expanded its presence in the professional sports sector by entering into a partnership with mixed martial arts (MMA) promoter the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Under the deal, the terms of which were not disclosed, UFC fans will be able to enter weekly fantasy MMA contests to win a range of prizes such as trips to premier UFC events.
DraftKings and the UFC will also collaborate on a number of joint initiatives to give supporters the opportunity to meet and interact with athletes.
“The UFC is the fastest growing sports organisation in the world, driven by the millions of fans who passionately follow MMA,” DraftKings’ vice-president of business development, Jeremy Elbaum, said.
“We’re excited to partner with the UFC to provide its fans with games that provide tremendous payouts and amazing, unique prizes.”
Michael Mossholder, senior vice-president of global marketing partnerships at the UFC, added: “Like all major sports and leagues, we continue to strive for ways to offer the most thrilling and innovative experiences for our fans and working alongside the leaders of the daily fantasy sports industry offers a cutting edge platform for daily action and entertainment.”
The UFC deal will further expand DraftKings’ presence in the professional sports sector having already secured partnerships with a number of franchises in the North American NBA basketball competition.
NBA teams the Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics are all in partnership with DraftKings.
DraftKings also has deals in place with North American NHL ice hockey league as well as NFL American football teams the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots.
source : www.igamingbusiness.com
