The NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers announced Tuesday a deal with BetMGM to serve as an Official Sports Betting to the franchise.
The deal came one day before the Sixers start their 2020-21 season Wednesday at home against the Wizards and within a week of BetMGM NJ Betting App launching their online app in Pennsylvania.
BetMGM 76ers Partnership
The deal is not exclusive but it does mean the black and gold lion will be all over the Wells Fargo Center this season. Fans will see BetMGM branding across social media and digital platforms, along with engagement campaigns. The BetMGM online casino will also feature team-branded games.
“We are thrilled to partner with BetMGM and together create new, engaging experiences to deliver to our 76ers fans,” said Katie O’Reilly, 76ers Chief Revenue Officer, in a press release. “This partnership will give us the ability to connect with our fans on the digital channels where they spend their time through customized 76ers branded games and activations. BetMGM will also propel us into a new space, strategically targeting fans in the sports betting and gaming realm.”
We saw this fall more deals between teams and sports betting companies as a way for the franchises to fill revenue deficits caused by the inability to welcome fans for games. This deal actually flips the script from what we saw with the Eagles’ new lounges and will give fans an opportunity to gather when the Philadelphia Sixers play on the road.
The partnership includes MGM’s Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa as the “Official Away Game Host for the 76ers”. When guidelines allow, Borgata will have events on site, including appearances with legends, raffles for autographed memorabilia, casino games, and team events for season ticket holders. Given the tenor of Sixers Twitter, this is a perfect announcement for the holidays.
Matt Prevost, Chief Revenue Officer, BetMGM, said, “We’re honored to be an Official Sports Betting Partner of the 76ers. Our recent launch in Pennsylvania has been incredibly successful and this partnership is an exciting opportunity for BetMGM to offer 76ers fans unique ways to engage with their favorite basketball team.”