Daily fantasy operator Draft Ops has partnered with Monumental Sports & Entertainment, and the deal includes a "jersey sponsorship of the [WNBA] Mystics and the creation of a 3,500 square-foot Draft Ops branded fantasy lounge at Verizon Center," according to Darren Heitner of FORBES. The deal is for five years and "eight-figures." Draft Ops will be the "exclusive fantasy sports partner" of the Capitals, Wizards, Mystics, Verizon Center and Monumental Network. The fantasy lounge at Verizon Center will be "similar to those that will be made available" by Draft Ops at Barclays Center and Honda Center following recently signed deals. Draft Ops sees use of the Verizon Center lounge "not only for engagement with customers, but also as a forum for future events on the fantasy sports legal landscape" (FORBES.com, 9/16). In DC, Scott Allen wrote while DraftKings and FanDuel have "received hundreds of millions of dollars in venture capital, Draft Ops has operated mostly in obscurity." The fantasy outfit also sponsors "The Rich Eisen Show" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 9/16).
