DraftKings has announced a major new partnership with the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) as its official sportsbook and daily fantasy gaming partner. The partnership, unveiled during WNBA All-Star Game weekend, marks a pivotal moment for sports betting, especially women’s sports betting, and reflects growing interest and engagement in the space.
The partnership allows DraftKings to leverage league and team intellectual property, providing the company with enhanced marketing, activation and hospitality opportunities at major league events such as the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game. DraftKings will also integrate official WNBA data sources to enrich fans’ sports betting experience.
The agreement builds on DraftKings’ existing relationship with the NBA, which it established in 2021, and leverages its platform to increase fan engagement through advanced sports betting and fantasy sports features. According to Matt Kalish, President of DraftKings North America, the partnership is designed to “deliver the most engaging WNBA content to the DraftKings platform,” highlighting the company’s commitment to enhancing the customer and WNBA fan experience.
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer and DraftKings talent ambassador Lisa Leslie expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership. "The WNBA is rapidly expanding its reach, and DraftKings has an unparalleled ability to further engage more fans," Leslie said, according to a press release from DraftKings. She emphasized that the partnership comes amid a record-setting season. has the potential to significantly enhance the WNBA fan experience.
Increased media exposure and responsible gambling initiatives
Specifically, DraftKings will receive increased media exposure across the WNBA’s digital and linear media platforms. One of the key features of this partnership is that DraftKings will be the presenting partner for “WNBA Playoff Promotion,” a new content platform that will highlight WNBA rankings, league highlights, and social integration during the final two weeks of the regular season and odds updates.
WNBA Chief Development Officer Colie Edison noted the growth and expansion of the league and the importance of partnering with industry leaders like DraftKings to provide fans with more ways to responsibly interact with their favorite teams and players. Edison added: “The opportunity for DraftKings to join us in supporting women’s sports will attract more fans to the WNBA.”
The partnership also aims to promote responsible gambling. DraftKings and the WNBA are both active members of the American Gaming Association (AGA) and support the AGA’s Game Plan, Bet Responsibly campaign. This scheme encourages responsible gambling behaviour, such as setting a budget and placing bets only with licensed operators.
In addition, the WNBA is a member of the Responsible Sports Betting Advertising Alliance, which works to ensure that sports betting advertising is conducted responsibly. This alliance reflects a shared commitment to integrity and responsibility in the ever-evolving sports betting landscape.
