DraftKings Named First-Ever WWE Official Gaming Partner

Daily fantasy and sports betting operator DraftKings announced today a ground-breaking agreement with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) to become the Official Gaming Partner of the media and entertainment company in all applicable jurisdictions, subject to regulatory approval.

“As a cultural icon and incredible sports and entertainment company, we are thrilled to join forces with WWE and introduce its devoted fanbase to the DraftKings brand.”

Ezra Kucharz, Chief Business Officer,DraftKings

Free-To-Play Pools

Central for the collaboration between the Boston-based gaming brand and the media and entertainment company featuring professional wrestling will be DraftKings’ free-to-play pools. DraftKings will launch an inaugural free-to-play pool for the two-night WWE event, Wrestle Mania, scheduled for April 10 and April 11.

“We’re excited to enter this new agreement that makes DraftKings WWE’s first-ever free to play gaming partner.”

Stephanie McMahon, Chief Brand Officer, WWE

Under the terms of the agreement with WWE, DraftKings will get exclusivity with regards to WWE media assets and in-game branding for pay-per-view events of WWE, besides offering fans of professional wrestling and customers at DraftKings a chance to participate in multiple free-to-play pool contests. The collaboration will also cover areas such as digital promotion and program integration.

“This collaboration marks a significant step in deepening engagement with our passionate fans and will provide DraftKings the opportunity to leverage the massive appeal and reach of the WWE brand.”

Stephanie McMahon, Chief Brand Officer, WWE

The Beginning

The two-night pop culture extravaganza Wrestle Mania will take place on Saturday and Sunday, April 10 and April 11, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, and will stream live in the US exclusively on Peacock and on WWE Network globally.

“This relationship helps fuel the engagement and drama of WWE’s signature matchups and storylines as audiences enjoy the second-screen experiences our products provide.”

Ezra Kucharz, Chief Business Officer,DraftKings

The agreement with WWE followed the blueprint of the ground-breaking deal DraftKings signed earlier in the month with the world’s premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization UFC to become UFC’s first-ever Official Sportsbook and Daily Fantasy Partner in the US and Canada.

Also in March, DraftKings teamed with the American Cornhole League (ACL) to become its Official Sports Betting Partner and the first operator to offer wagering on professional cornhole. Besides sports betting, DraftKings will offer under the agreement free-to-play pool contests nationally to help boost the popularity of the sport.