Archive · 6 Nov 2025
ESPN Ends PENN Betting Partnership, Moves to DraftKings
Imagine ESPN had a special deal with a company called PENN to help people bet on sports.
This deal was supposed to last for 10 years and made ESPN a lot of money.
However, it seems people weren't betting as much as expected through PENN.
So, ESPN and PENN decided to end their deal early.
Starting in December, PENN will rename its betting app and focus on other things.
ESPN is now making a new deal with another company called DraftKings, which is very good at sports betting.
This new deal will start integrating DraftKings' products into ESPN's websites and apps in the future, helping ESPN connect with sports fans who like to bet.
ESPN is ending its 10-year, $150 million/year betting partnership with PENN Entertainment.
The transition to a new partner, DraftKings, is expected around December 1.
Both ESPN and PENN cited failure to meet market share performance thresholds for the split.
PENN Entertainment will rebrand the ESPN Bet platform to TheScore Bet on December 1.
DraftKings' products will be integrated across ESPN's ecosystem starting in December 2025.
- Who
- ESPN and PENN Entertainment (ending partnership), DraftKings (new partner)
- What
- ESPN is ending its sports betting partnership with PENN Entertainment and entering a new deal with DraftKings.
- When
- The transition will occur around December 1, with new DraftKings integration beginning December 2025.
- Where
- Primarily in the U.S. sports betting and media market.
- Why
- The previous partnership did not meet market share performance thresholds. ESPN aims for an integrated betting experience and growth with DraftKings.
ESPN/PENN Rationale
DraftKings Integration
Reason for Partnership Change
ESPN/PENN Rationale
ESPN and PENN cited the failure to meet specific market share performance thresholds as the reason for terminating their deal. They emphasized financial results and did not mention external factors like the NBA gambling scandal.
DraftKings Integration
ESPN stated that working with DraftKings, a leader in the betting space, will allow them to build upon their integrated experience approach, serve sports fans, and grow their direct-to-consumer business.
Future Strategy
ESPN/PENN Rationale
PENN Entertainment plans to rebrand ESPN Bet as TheScore Bet and realign their digital focus on their iCasino business, while continuing to leverage their retail casino operations.
DraftKings Integration
DraftKings' entertainment products will be exclusively integrated across ESPN’s ecosystem starting in December 2025, with a full rollout expected in 2026.
- Previous Partnership Duration
- 10 years
- Previous Annual Payment to ESPN
- $150 million
- Transition Date
- Around December 1
- New Partner
- DraftKings
- Rebranded Name for ESPN Bet
- TheScore Bet
- New Integration Start
- December 2025