MGM Resorts Int'l has "signed a gaming partnership" with the Jets, marking the "first NFL deal that involves more than a casino sponsorship," according to Darren Rovell of ESPN.com. The deal includes a game named "I Called It," in which fans can "answer questions about what will happen in the Jets game's future." The game, which lives "exclusively within the Jets app, is sponsored by MGM's app, Play MGM." It falls within the parameters of the NFL's new rules that "permits gaming partnerships but not gambling relationships." Jets President Neil Glat said that despite the fact that MetLife Stadium is in New Jersey, where sports betting is legal, the game can "only provide winners with prizes and doesn't allow fans to wager." MGM President of Interactive Gaming Scott Butera: "We can promote our app and our casino, which is valuable to us because it could lead to a sports betting customer even though the NFL won't allow us to have a specific call to action." The deal also includes "in-stadium signage and the sponsorship of the Jets studio." Jets season-ticket holders and team rewards members will have the "chance to win premium entertainment experiences and get free hotel rooms." In turn, MGM in Atlantic City can "use the Jets logo at the Borgata, but not in any way associated with its sports gambling business." MGM hopes the sponsorship "increases downloads of the app within the state." The category is "expected to be more lucrative for the Jets, as MGM's deal is not exclusive to the category." The team has already "sold some advertising assets to 888.com" (ESPN.com, 10/31).
MONEY MOVES: ESPN's David Purdum said with the NHL and MGM having signed a deal this week, the "first thing you're going to notice" will be league and team logos "on display at MGM sportsbooks." Access to league data will also "come into play down the road" and will "fuel in-game betting." Purdum said "we don't know much" about the financial terms the NHL-MGM deal, but "we do know the NBA's deal with MGM, which is very similar, was worth at least" $25M. Purdum: "Now if you go off how much is wagered on the NHL compared to the NBA, it's about double. It's going to be less than the $25M you have to assume" ("OTL," ESPN, 10/30).
