NBA basketball franchise the Cleveland Cavaliers has become the latest US sports team to announce it will incorporate a sportsbook into its home arena, through an expanded deal with Fubo Gaming.
The Chicago-based subsidiary of live TV streaming platform fuboTV has signed a market access agreement with the Cavaliers, making Fubo Sportsbook an official mobile sports betting partner of the team when the sportsbook launches in Ohio, pending requisite regulatory approvals.
The agreement announced yesterday (Tuesday) comes on the back of an initial deal signed between the two parties in October. Fubo Gaming’s first NBA team partnership was designed to promote the brand across the Cavaliers’ marketing territory in Ohio.
The new partnership will feature the opening of a 3,000 sq. ft. sports lounge inside Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, which will serve as a game-day destination for fans with incentives and special bonus offers provided by Fubo Sportsbook. Additionally, fans will be able to watch NBA games and other sporting events from the lounge.
The latest announcement comes on the heels of December’s legalisation of sports gambling in Ohio. Pending regulatory approvals, Fubo Sportsbook will launch its wagering platform in the state. Fubo Gaming launched Fubo Sportsbook in the fourth quarter of 2021 and it is currently live in two states: Iowa and Arizona.
“This is an exciting evolution of our continued partnership with Fubo Gaming,” said Len Komoroski, CEO of the Cavaliers and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
“The Fubo Sportsbook mobile wagering platform provides leading technology, connectivity and entertainment that aligns perfectly with our commitment to innovation and engagement across every aspect of the fan experience. We look forward to the continued collaboration with Fubo as we work to establish a best-in-class sports betting marketplace to offer our fans in Cleveland and throughout the state of Ohio.”
Leading up to Fubo Sportsbook’s official launch in Ohio, the Cavaliers and Fubo Gaming will continue to promote their partnership through an integrated marketing campaign highlighted by co-branded broadcast-visible signage, a presence on team television and radio game programming, as well as other marketing assets.
Fubo Gaming expects to announce the launch of Fubo Sportsbook in additional US markets in the coming months, subject to requisite regulatory approvals and, in certain jurisdictions, enactment of legislation. The Cavaliers deal marks Fubo Gaming’s seventh market access agreement, in addition to Arizona, Indiana, Iowa, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Texas.
Scott Butera, president of Fubo Gaming, said: “The opportunity to enter the Ohio sports betting market with the Cavaliers as our partner is a major step forward for Fubo.
“Ohio has a passionate fan base who will enjoy Fubo’s uniquely integrated streaming and wagering sports betting experience. The Cavs are at the forefront of sports innovation and consistently create highly engaging fan experiences. This partnership provides Fubo instant access to a highly attractive customer base.”
Pelicans partner with BetRivers
In other gaming news involving NBA teams, Rush Street Interactive yesterday announced that its BetRivers Sportsbook is now an official partner of the New Orleans Pelicans.
Under the deal, Smoothie King Center’s exclusive Chairman’s Club, for courtside ticket holders, has been rebranded to become the BetRivers Chairman Lounge and updated with live odds boards. BetRivers signage will also appear throughout the arena, including the front row of courtside seats.
Already this year, online gaming company FanDuel has announced plans to open a branded sportsbook lounge at United Center, home of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls and NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks.
Nationals Park, home of the Washington Nationals, last month opened the first retail sportsbook connected to a Major League Baseball stadium through an agreement with sports betting and gaming company BetMGM.
The Arizona Cardinals and BetMGM also revealed a first look at their plans for the first retail sportsbook at an NFL stadium.
Image: Fubo Gaming
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