ESPN Ends PENN Deal and Signs Sports Betting Agreement with DraftKings
United States.– 11 November 2025 – www.zonadeazar.com ESPN and PENN Entertainment mutually ended their exclusive partnership, while ESPN announced a new alliance with DraftKings as its exclusive odds provider starting in December 2025.
Overview
In a major shakeup for the U.S. sports betting industry, ESPN and PENN Entertainment have agreed to terminate their partnership early and transition ESPN BET operations to theScore Bet. Simultaneously, ESPN confirmed a new collaboration with DraftKings, which will become its exclusive provider of betting odds and data integration by 2026.
Details / Context
The initial 10-year deal, signed in 2023, granted PENN the exclusive use of the ESPN BET brand in exchange for US$ 150 million per year and stock options. However, PENN has reported losses exceeding US$ 1.5 billion in recent years, including investments in ESPN BET and previous ventures like Barstool Sports.
Jay Snowden, CEO of PENN, stated that both companies agreed to end the partnership amicably after failing to meet market share goals. He confirmed the relaunch of the company’s U.S. platform under theScore Bet, currently active in Ontario, scheduled for December 2025 pending regulatory approval.
Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN President, emphasized that the partnership helped drive more than 2.9 million new users to PENN’s ecosystem but noted that ESPN will now focus on integrating its media and betting products under a more cohesive structure.
Future outlook
Leading up to the termination date, ESPN and PENN will work together to transition ESPN BET operations. PENN will remain an advertising client for ESPN’s media network.
Immediately following the announcement, ESPN confirmed its exclusive partnership with DraftKings. Pitaro remarked:
“Collaborating with DraftKings allows us to create a more integrated, engaging, and responsible betting experience.”
Jason Robins, CEO and co-founder of DraftKings, added:
“ESPN’s unmatched visibility makes this partnership a perfect fit. Together, we’ll deliver a seamless and responsible experience for fans.”
Specific sub-topics
- Corporate strategy: ESPN pivots from brand licensing to strategic tech partnerships.
- Market leadership: DraftKings consolidates its dominance in the regulated U.S. market.
- Consumer experience: The deal underscores a focus on responsibility and engagement.
🔗 Edited: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com