PointsBet and Austin FC Forge a Strategic Alliance in Sports Betting
PointsBet was announced as a Founding Partner and the club’s exclusive and official sports betting partner of Austin FC in a PointsBet press release dated July 29, 2021, which states the deal includes prominent brand integration at Q2 Stadium and rights across retail and online sports betting, daily fantasy and free-to-play games. The agreement included a simultaneous deal with Austin StadCo LLC (the Q2 Stadium operator) making PointsBet the venue’s exclusive sportsbook partner, enabling in-stadium activations such as a branded PointsBet Sports Bar and enhanced visibility throughout the stadium. At the time of the partnership announcement, media coverage described this as PointsBet’s first Major League Soccer (MLS) partnership and part of its broader U.S. expansion that included sponsorships across other major U.S. leagues; coverage noted PointsBet’s operations in multiple U.S. states and its existing portfolio of professional-sports partnerships.
In a move that marked a significant milestone in the sports betting landscape, PointsBet solidified its presence in the Major League Soccer (MLS) by becoming a Founding Partner of Austin FC. This partnership not only highlights PointsBet’s expanding influence across major North American sports leagues but also underscores the growing acceptance and integration of sports betting within professional sports.
Despite Austin FC’s challenging debut in MLS, their alliance with PointsBet in 2021 has been a beacon of strategic growth and fan engagement. PointsBet, known for its innovative online gaming services across seven states, boasts a rich portfolio of partnerships that spans the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and WNBA. Their partnership with Austin FC represents PointsBet’s first venture into MLS, signaling a growing trend of sports betting collaborations within soccer in the United States.
A Partnership Benefiting Fans and the Franchise
Austin FC, which kicked off its first season in the state-of-the-art Q2 Stadium located in Austin, Texas, has seen a robust fan following, with an impressive average attendance that ranks them fourth in the MLS. The partnership with PointsBet encompasses a comprehensive sponsorship agreement covering future retail and online sports betting, daily fantasy, and free-to-play games. This collaboration is poised to enhance the fan experience through sponsorship opportunities and joint giveaways, enriching the game-day atmosphere at the stadium.
The exclusive deal paves the way for PointsBet to gain significant visibility within the Q2 Stadium and Austin FC’s digital platforms. The creation of the “PointsBet Sports Bar” within the stadium is a testament to the innovative ways the partnership aims to engage fans. Moreover, in an effort to cater to a diverse audience, PointsBet and Austin FC have committed to developing a sportsbook that supports both English and Spanish, leveraging PointsBet’s proprietary technology platform.
The Future of Sports Betting in Texas
While the partnership between PointsBet and Austin FC flourishes, the landscape of sports betting in Texas remains uncertain. Despite several attempts, legislation to legalize sports betting was not passed in 2021, with the issue being postponed until the possibility of amending the state constitution arises again. In the meantime, sports enthusiasts can engage in the “Lone Star Pick’Em” free-to-play contest, a collaborative effort between NBC Sports and PointsBet that allows users to predict outcomes of games featuring Texas-based teams.
This strategic alliance between PointsBet and Austin FC not only highlights the evolving relationship between sports franchises and betting companies but also sets a precedent for future partnerships in the MLS and beyond. As sports betting continues to gain traction across the United States, such collaborations will play a pivotal role in shaping the fan experience and the sports industry at large.
Expanding Horizons: PointsBet’s Growing Portfolio
PointsBet’s partnership with Austin FC adds to an already impressive list of collaborations with major sports franchises, including deals with NFL’s Colts and Bears, the Pistons and Pacers in the NBA, the Tigers in MLB, and the Avalanche in the NHL. This strategic expansion underscores PointsBet’s commitment to enhancing its footprint in the sports betting arena and its dedication to offering innovative and engaging betting experiences to sports fans nationwide.
In conclusion, the partnership between PointsBet and Austin FC exemplifies the dynamic intersection of sports and betting industries. As both entities look forward to capitalizing on this collaboration, the future holds promising opportunities for fan engagement, technological advancements, and the overall growth of sports betting within professional sports leagues.