DraftKings secured partnerships with Premier League football clubs Arsenal, Liverpool and Watford "as part of its global expansion" into the U.K., according to Tony Connelly of THE DRUM. The fantasy sports platform’s partnership with the clubs "marks the next step towards operating outside of North America for the Boston-based company, and signals the start of ambitious growth plans for the business globally." The deal will see the DraftKings brand presence "visible throughout the grounds during domestic fixtures as well as marketing activities being promoted through each of the club’s digital and social media channels." Liverpool CCO Billy Hogan said, "DraftKings' daily fantasy platform brings a whole new dynamic to the fantasy football we're all familiar with. They have a partnership with the Red Sox at Fenway Park so we're excited to have them extend their relationship with FSG to Liverpool FC as well" (THE DRUM, 2/3). In London, Murad Ahmed wrote DraftKings is making the move in effort to find "international revenues to 'mitigate the risk' of being regulated out of its home market." The launch was to happen on Wednesday night but was "delayed for a number of days because of ongoing technical issues." When it does open in the U.K., "it will be the first time that customers outside North America will be able to play in its daily online contests." DraftKings "will focus on what the company calls 'proper football,' as opposed to the American variety that the company’s business is built upon." It will include online games based on the EPL and UEFA Champions League (FINANCIAL TIMES, 2/3).
