ESPN Ends Partnership with PENN Entertainment
ESPN has mutually terminated its exclusive U.S. online sports-betting agreement with PENN Entertainment. This decision marks a strategic shift in ESPN’s betting operations.
New Partnership with DraftKings
ESPN announced a multiyear deal naming DraftKings as its Official Sportsbook and Odds Provider. The current ESPN BET sportsbook will be discontinued on December 1, 2025. After that date, "ESPN BET" will transition into a sports-betting content brand integrated with DraftKings Sportsbook across ESPN’s platforms.
Integration and Launch Timeline
The full rollout of the new collaboration is planned for 2026, with DraftKings powering the betting tab within the ESPN app. Users will have access to various betting features, including DraftKings’ sportsbook, daily fantasy, and DraftKings Pick6.
“Our betting approach has focused on offering an integrated experience within our products,” says ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro. “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.”
Additional Benefits for ESPN Customers
- Special promotions tied to the new ESPN Unlimited direct-to-consumer product.
- Enhanced engagement and betting options integrated throughout ESPN’s digital ecosystem.
This partnership highlights ESPN’s commitment to expanding its direct-to-consumer offerings through a leading sports-betting platform.
Author's summary: ESPN shifts from PENN to DraftKings as its official sportsbook partner, aiming to enhance its sports-betting content and direct-to-consumer experience with a full rollout in 2026.