Caesars in talks with MLS' D.C. United to open a sportsbook at Audi Field

D.C. United and Caesars Entertainment would be deep in negotiations about opening a sportsbook at Audi Field next year. The talks also would involve a sponsorship pact in which the gaming company’s logo would appear on the sleeve of the MLS team’s jersey, starting next season.

According to sources cited by the Washington Post, the sides are eager to open the sportsbook by the spring, which, if successful, might make the soccer stadium the first major venue in the District to launch such an operation after the D.C. Council approved legal sports betting in December 2018.

UK bookmaker William Hill, in conjunction with Ted Leonsis’ Monumental Sports & Entertainment, announced plans last month to operate in space at Capital One Arena in 2020. Nationals Park, Audi Field and the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Southeast Washington also have been approved for gaming operations. The Nationals have had a marketing partnership with MGM National Harbor since 2017 but haven’t announced plans for a gaming operation.

Richard Broome, executive vice president for communications and government relations at Caesars Entertainment, said: “We’re interested in a partnership with D.C. United, but we aren’t there yet.” Andy Bush, United’s chief business officer, said: “We are absolutely excited about the opportunity to partner with Caesars. It would be an incredible opportunity to engage with our fans.” 

United would need to apply for a license from the city and pay $125,000 for a permit. The city will open the licensing application process next week.

For several weeks, contractors at the 20,000-capacity soccer venue in Southwest Washington have been working on scheduled upgrades and other renovations that would include the sportsbook, said people who requested anonymity because they were not permitted to discuss such matters, according to the Washington Post. It is unclear whether the gaming facility would occupy current space or be part of new construction on the property, which sits about two blocks from Nationals Park. It would be open to the public every day and to ticket holders on game days.

Audi Field is also home to the D.C. Defenders of the XFL, a pro football league launching in February. The Washington Spirit, of the National Women’s Soccer League, will play four of its 12 home matches next year at Buzzard Point.

Bars, restaurants and other businesses in the D.C. will be able to apply for gaming licenses as well. An online gaming application has also been proposed.

Aside from casinos and entertainment venues around the world, Caesars operates about 30 sportsbooks in seven states. It’s unclear how much financial impact the partnership with Caesars would have on United, whose bottom line has improved markedly since it left city-run RFK Stadium. The MLS organization spent an estimated $250 million on construction costs, while the city covered up to $150 million on land acquisition and infrastructure.

The plan for the Caesars logo to appear on the right sleeve of the jersey would come in the first season of a four-year pilot program by MLS that allows teams to add a second sponsor to their uniforms. The logo would not appear on uniforms issued to United’s youth academy players.