Michigan: PokerStars inks sponsorship deal with the NHL's Detroit Red Wings

PokerStars has inked a new sponsorship deal with the NHL's Detroit Red Wings. The agreement is expected to cover several years and ensures that PokerStars’ branding will be prominent around Little Caesar’s Arena, where the Wings play their home games.

Chris McGowan, President & CEO of Ilitch Sports & Entertainment, said: "This is a partnership that our fans, especially poker players, will really enjoy. It’s great to see PokerStars’ branding on the ice level at Little Caesars Arena, and we’re very appreciative of their support."

For his part, Severin Rasset, the Marketing Director for PokerStars in the U. S., added: "We are extremely proud and excited to build a long-term relationship with such an iconic NHL team as the Detroit Red Wings. Through this partnership, we look forward to delivering epic experiences for our PokerStars community, expanding on what we can offer our Michigan-based players, as well as those across the rest of the U. S."

The sponsorship agreement will ensure that PokerStars will be featured in the arena and on the ice, in addition to promoting gaming in Michigan's online gaming sector. Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings will gain a sponsorship ally and a foray into a previously untapped market: poker players.

PokerStars has proven to be one of the leading online poker sites in the states where it is allowed to operate, with a place in the Top Five overall. PokerStars first launched in the Wolverine State in January 2021.

More and more professional sports franchises and leagues in the U. S. are beginning to see the value in partnerships with gaming entities. Entities in all major sports leagues in the United States – including the NHL, the National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB), and the National Football League (NFL) – have signed a number of such deals.

Michigan became the fifth US state to legalize and regulate online poker in 2021. As part of the deal, players on PokerStars Michigan will have an opportunity to win valuable Red Wings prizes such as signed memorabilia, merchandise, game tickets, and more.