ESPN partners with DraftKings as exclusive sportsbook after PENN deal ends

ESPN and DraftKings have entered into a multiyear agreement that will make DraftKings the exclusive Official Sportsbook and Odds Provider of ESPN, effective December 1, 2025.

The partnership was announced shortly after ESPN and PENN Entertainment confirmed the mutual termination of their 10-year, $2 billion deal that launched the ESPN Bet app in 2023.

Transition from PENN to DraftKings

In a joint statement earlier, ESPN and PENN said their collaboration fell short of certain performance benchmarks, prompting both parties to end the agreement.

PENN will rebrand its US sports betting app to theScore Bet, which it currently operates in Canada, on December 1. The ESPN Bet brand will shift its focus toward sports betting content featuring integrations with DraftKings Sportsbook.

DraftKings integration and launch

Starting December 2025, DraftKings products and betting features will be integrated throughout ESPN’s ecosystem, with a full rollout expected in 2026. Fans will gain access to DraftKings’ sportsbook, daily fantasy offerings, and DraftKings Pick6 at launch. DraftKings will also power the betting tab within the ESPN app, providing users with access to betting lines and related features.

DraftKings, which operates in 28 US states, Washington, D.C., and Ontario, Canada, will also collaborate with ESPN to promote responsible gaming through education and awareness campaigns.

“Our betting approach has focused on offering an integrated experience within our products,” said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN. “Working with DraftKings, a leader in the space, will allow us to build upon that foundation, continue to super-serve passionate sports fans, and grow our ESPN direct-to-consumer business. We are excited about this new collaboration with DraftKings.”

ESPN’s betting content

ESPN BET will transition into a sports betting content brand supported by DraftKings Sportsbook integrations. The brand will be anchored by ESPN BET Live, which airs weekdays at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2, and will expand across digital and social media platforms.

Jason Robins, CEO and Co-Founder of DraftKings, said: “ESPN’s unmatched visibility across the world of sports makes this collaboration a natural fit.

"As an innovative leader in digital sports entertainment, DraftKings is uniquely positioned to integrate our technology and products with ESPN’s iconic brand and storytelling power. Together, we’re delivering a seamless, engaging, and responsible experience that elevates how fans connect with live sports.”