DraftKings Secures Exclusive ESPN Sportsbook Deal Amid Earnings Shortfall
ESPN has abruptly terminated its partnership with Penn Entertainment, cutting short a 10-year agreement after just two years. The sports media giant has instead inked an exclusive multi-year deal with DraftKings, effective December 2025. DraftKings will power all sports betting features across ESPN's digital platforms as the network's official odds provider.
The strategic shift comes despite DraftKings' disappointing Q3 earnings report. The company posted a $0.26 per share loss on $1.14 billion revenue, marking its fourth consecutive quarter of missed estimates. Analysts remain bullish however, projecting nearly 80% upside potential for DKNG stock.
Penn Entertainment will rebrand its sportsbook operation as theScore Bet, freeing itself from $150 million annual payments to ESPN. The MOVE underscores the fierce competition in the rapidly consolidating sports betting market, where media partnerships are becoming critical differentiators.