Fanatics Sportsbook is the latest sports betting platform to launch in Washington, D.C., gaining access to the market through a partnership with the district’s National Women’s Soccer League team, the Washington Spirit.
In order to gain access to the D.C. market, online sportsbooks must partner with one of seven local sports franchises. Fanatics Sportsbook became the fifth to access the market Thursday, following Fanduel, DraftKings, Caesars, and BetMGM.
“We’re excited to announce our groundbreaking partnership with Fanatics Sportsbook,” Washington Spirit CEO Kim Stone said in a press release. “This is another indication of the momentum surrounding the Spirit and women’s sports. This collaboration gives us the chance to enter the sports betting space with a trusted brand, all while staying true to our commitment to integrity, empowering women, and creating great experiences for our fans.”
The new partnership is Fanatics Sportsbook’s first team sponsorship deal with a professional female sports team and makes the Washington Spirit the first NWSL team to have a betting partner.
Following the approval of Washington, D.C.’s, budget in June, several of the top sportsbooks gained access to the market through partnerships with local teams. DraftKings partnered with D.C. United of MLS, Caesars partnered with the Washington Capitals, Wizards, and Mystics, and BetMGM partnered with the Washington Nationals. Fanduel partnered with the D.C. Office of Lottery and Gaming.
Fanatics Sportsbook’s partnership with the Washington Spirit will involve marketing assets, including in-stadium signage, a heavy focus on digital marketing, Audi Field activations for soccer fans, and additional opportunities for Spirit fans to engage with the platform.
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Sports fans in Washington, D.C., can download the Fanatics Sportsbook app on iOS and Android, while customers in Maryland and Virginia will no longer have their service interrupted while in the district.
“As we continue to build out our sports betting business, we are excited to partner with the Washington Spirit,” Chief Business Officer of Fanatics Betting and Gaming Ari Borod said. “We will look to grow the Fanatics Sportsbook alongside the growing popularity of women’s soccer and women’s sports generally across the country.”
