The 76ers and online-gambling outfit partypoker "have ended" what both sides called a "groundbreaking partnership," according to David Sell of the PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER. Sixers CEO Scott O'Neil "declined to explain why the two businesses parted ways, other than to say that even multiyear partnerships such as this one have 'triggers' that allow for 'adjustments based on market opportunity.'" The partypoker deal, which was signed in January '14, "remains as is with the Devils and the Prudential Center," both of which are also owned by 76ers co-owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer. The Sixers in December of last year "were the first NBA team to sign a sponsorship deal with DraftKings," which "would become the 'presenting partner' of several of the team's digital platforms, including the official website, newsletter, mobile app, and radio broadcast." Partypoker parent company Bwin.Party "was sold in September to GVC Holdings" for $1.4B. Speculation in the online-gambling media "is that GVC might sell Partypoker to Amaya Gaming," which also has a sports fantasy division called StarsDraft and recently indicated that StarsDraft "will operate in only four states, one of which is New Jersey" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 10/22).
