Disney Partnering with DraftKings in Multi-Year Deal. A Multi-Year Deal Integrates DraftKings Exclusively Across ESPN Platforms Starting December 2025.
The Walt Disney Company has long been synonymous with family, fantasy, and wholesome entertainment, a perception that often obscures its expansive reach across all sectors of the media landscape. Today, the global media giant, through its sports division, ESPN, which currently owns and operates the sports betting website ESPN BET, is taking a significant step further into the adult-centric sports wagering market.
ESPN and DraftKings Inc. (Nasdaq: DKNG) (“DraftKings”) today announced a groundbreaking, multi-year agreement, naming DraftKings the exclusive Official Sportsbook and Odds Provider of ESPN, effective December 1, 2025. This collaboration, which unites two of the most iconic brands in sports, is designed to deliver fans premium, integrated sports betting content and innovative digital experiences.
Seamless Digital Integration
Beginning in December 2025, DraftKings’ full suite of digital entertainment products will be exclusively integrated across ESPN’s ecosystem, with a full rollout expected in 2026. This integration will allow fans to seamlessly access betting features and offerings, including DraftKings’ sportsbook, daily fantasy, and DraftKings Pick6 products, directly from ESPN platforms.
DraftKings will also play a major role across ESPN’s digital platforms, powering the betting tab within the ESPN app. DraftKings customers will also receive special promotions tied to ESPN Unlimited, ESPN’s newly launched direct-to-consumer product.
“Our betting approach has focused on offering an integrated experience within our products,” said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, 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 unmatched visibility across the world of sports makes this collaboration a natural fit,” said Jason Robins, CEO and Co-Founder of DraftKings. “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.”
Responsible Gaming and Future Focus
DraftKings operates in 28 states, Washington D.C., and Ontario, Canada, with more than 10 million customers, positioning this deal to lead in innovation and fan engagement. This agreement expands ESPN’s ability to be the go-to platform for sports fans seeking access to DraftKings’ products.
Importantly, DraftKings and ESPN will collaborate to advance their shared commitment to responsible gaming. Both entities will dedicate prominent platform assets to educate customers, raise awareness, and promote responsible play through specialized campaigns and integrations.
Following the launch of the new partnership, ESPN BET will transition its focus to becoming a dedicated sports betting content brand with DraftKings Sportsbook integrations. ESPN’s betting show will anchor this content strategy, ESPN BET Live, which currently airs weekdays at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2, alongside dedicated social and digital channels.
We tried to figure out what “dedicated sports betting content brand” means, and it seems ESPN BET will pivot from being an operational sports betting website (where users place wagers) to solely focusing on creating media and information about sports betting.
