ESPN has announced an agreement with PENN Entertainment that will see the sports broadcaster launch ESPN BET, a branded sportsbook based in the United States.
ESPN BET to Launch in Fall Following Deal with PENN EntertainmentJimmy Pitaro, Chairperson, ESPN said:
“Our primary focus is always to serve sports fans and we know they want both betting content and the ability to place bets with less friction from within our products. The strategy here is simple: to give fans what they’ve been requesting and expecting from ESPN. PENN Entertainment is the perfect partner to build an unmatched user experience for sports betting with ESPN BET.”
Jay Snowden, Chief Executive Officer and President, PENN Entertainment said:
“This agreement with ESPN and collaboration on ESPN BET allows us to take another step forward as an industry leader. Together, we can utilize each other’s strengths to create the type of experience that existing and new bettors will expect from both companies, and we can’t wait to get started.”
ESPN owner Disney had been in talks with DraftKings in October of last year following the company’s complete u-turn on its potential participation in sports betting. However, the deal with PENN Entertainment will now see the entertainment giant finally take an active role in the ever-growing US sport betting industry.
Portnoy back in control of Barstool
ESPN BET to Launch in Fall Following Deal with PENN EntertainmentFollowing ESPN’s announcement, Barstool founder Dave Portnoy revealed that for the first time since 2016, he is now once again in full control of the company owning 100% of Barstool.
Emergency Press Conference – I Bought Back Barstool Sports pic.twitter.com/dmUk0eNowx
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) August 8, 2023