NBA makes history in major sports deal

The National Basketball Association (NBA) makes history in America, becoming the first major US sports league to secure a deal with a sports betting operator.

The NBA has brokered a multi-year partnership with hospitality and entertainment giant MGM Resorts International reportedly worth US$25 million.

MGM Resorts will become the official gaming partner of the NBA and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).

As part of the arrangement, MGM Resorts will be able to use official NBA and WNBA data and branding, on a non-exclusive basis, across its portfolio of land-based and digital sports offerings throughout the US.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver is taking opportunistic steps following May’s US Supreme Court ruling to relax sports betting laws in the country. 

“As the landscape for sports betting in the US continues to evolve at a rapid pace, MGM Resorts is a proven gaming leader for us to work with on this ground-breaking partnership,” Silver said.

“Our collaboration will result in the best possible gaming and entertainment experience for consumers through the use of accurate, real-time NBA and WNBA data, and our collective efforts to maintain and enhance the integrity of our games.”

The deal coincides with another significant partnership for MGM Resorts, which this week embarked on a US$200 million joint venture with UK-based gambling operator GVC.

Chairman and chief executive of MGM Resorts International, Jim Murren added: “The NBA has always been an innovator at the forefront of sports evolution, and MGM Resorts is thrilled to partner with the league to revolutionise sports betting in the United States.”

“Integrating the NBA’s assets and having official NBA data showcased across the MGM Resorts platforms will provide us with a distinct advantage and instil more confidence in knowing that our data is directly from the NBA.”

MGM Resorts will be included across the league’s digital assets and social media platforms, whilst NBA will have its branding promoted across MGM Resorts’ sports betting platforms.