MLS has signed a multiyear deal with DraftKings, which becomes the exclusive daily fantasy provider of the league in the U.S. and Canada. DraftKings will offer exclusive MLS fantasy games and experiences and get exposure in stadiums and on digital platforms. DraftKings, which will develop new games in conjunction with MLS, also will partner with a number of league clubs, with those details to be released at a later date (MLS). SI.com's Grant Wahl cited sources as saying that conversations "are in the works" about MLS "taking an equity stake in DraftKings." Wahl wrote the deal is a sign that MLS is "embracing the rise of daily fantasy, the possibility for fans to win money on it, and the chance that MLS can build its own fan base as a result." MLS Business Ventures President & Managing Dir Gary Stevenson said, "I think clearly daily fantasy drives greater interest in the league. It gives people an opportunity to study players and get to know players and understand their tendencies. We believe that daily fantasy is a game of skill." DraftKings co-Founder & CEO Jason Robins said that he is "impressed by some of the things MLS has done to connect with its fans, who he argues are some of the most rabid fans he has seen in any sport or league." Stevenson said that MLS would "continue to provide its own season-long fantasy game in addition to the DraftKings daily game" (SI.com, 7/25).
HIT THE BOOKS: SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL's Ian Thomas reports MLS has "signed a multiyear partnership" with Southern New Hampshire Univ. making the school the league's "exclusive education partner, a new category for the league." The private, non-profit university will "gain traditional advertising to run alongside that of the league's other partners, but unique to the agreement is that it provides for educational opportunities for MLS players as well as league and team employees." SNHU will "make available scholarships and significantly discounted tuition for players and staff," while MLS officials will "help shape curriculum." The agreement also "calls for MLS to provide SNHU students with access to league and team internships" (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 7/27 issue).
