The WNBA signed DraftKings as its second official sports betting and daily fantasy sports partner today. DraftKings follows its rival FanDuel in striking the deal, which could bring many new eyes to the WNBA and draw bettors from across the country.
In the Lone Star State, however, the outlook for the partnership is murky due to the state’s stalwart stance against Texas sports betting or gambling of almost any sort.
About the WNBA-DraftKings partnership
Through the deal, DraftKings gains use of the WNBA’s official logos and imagery, which means bettors will see team logos on the company’s DFS and sportsbook apps. The WNBA will provide data to DraftKings as well.
Other standard fare for a betting company and league team-up is also present: marketing activations, hospitality opportunities, and the like.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, DraftKings President Matt Kalish said, “We are proud to support the [WNBA] in its efforts to continue expanding the game. It is a priority for us to deliver the most engaging WNBA content to DraftKings’ platforms, and through our collaboration with the WNBA this season, we will be able to enhance the experience for millions of our customers and WNBA fans.”
Lisa Leslie, three-time WNBA MVP, four-time gold medal Olympian, and DraftKings Talent Ambassador, said:
“Having worked alongside both DraftKings and the WNBA, I am thrilled to see these innovative brands come together and further enhance excitement and visibility around women’s sports. The WNBA is rapidly expanding its reach, and DraftKings has an unmatched ability to further generate additional fan engagement. I am looking forward to seeing DraftKings elevate the WNBA’s fan experience in the midst of this record-breaking season.”
What does this partnership mean for Texans?
Not a whole lot. Texas remains staunchly anti-gambling despite the ever-growing tidal wave of betting expansion nationwide. However, Dallas Wings spectators will encounter DraftKings branding and marketing when they attend or watch games. When the team moves downtown in 2026, those ad banners will come with them.
If I were a Dallas Wings fan attending games and wishing I could bet on them, being inundated with betting advertisements from two prominent organizations would make me wish for it even more. But even if that’s the case for Texas WNBA fans, it’s hard for everyday people to galvanize their politicians into action, particularly in the already-conservative Lone Star state.
The silver lining in Texas is daily fantasy sports. The partnership includes DFS marketing. Fantasy sports players and WNBA fans likely have some crossover, so the marketing won’t be lost on them.
Thus far, Texas remains a massive sports betting holdout. It’s unlikely the WNBA’s partnership with DraftKings will move the needle, but it’s certainly a notable deal that will bring more eyeballs to the big names in betting.
