FOX Sports teams up with The Stars Group
The sports network got into the sports betting world by teaming up with the Stars Group in the US.
US.- The Stars Group and FOX Sports announced their plans to launch FOX Bet, a first-of-its-kind national media and sports betting partnership in the US. The Stars Group and FOX Sports have entered a long-term commercial agreement in which the latter will provide with an exclusive license to use certain FOX Sports trademarks.
The Stars Group and FOX Sports expect to launch two products in the third quarter of 2019 under the FOX Bet umbrella. One will be a nationwide free-to-play game, awarding cash prizes to players who correctly predict the outcome of sports games. The second product, which will be named FOX Bet, will give customers in states with regulated betting the opportunity to place real money wagers on the outcome of a wide range of sporting events in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.
Under the commercial agreement, FOX Sports will grant to The Stars Group an exclusive licence for the use of certain FOX Sports trademarks for a range of immersive games and online sports wagering, and certain exclusive advertising and editorial integration rights on certain FOX Sports broadcast media and digital assets. As part of the transaction, FOX Sports will receive certain brand licence, integration and affiliate fees, the companies explained.
In addition, during the term of the commercial agreement, The Stars Group has agreed to a minimum annual advertising commitment on certain FOX media assets. Prior to the tenth anniversary of the commercial agreement, and subject to certain conditions and applicable gaming regulatory approvals, FOX Sports has the right to acquire up to a 50% equity stake in The Stars Group’s US business.
Rafi Ashkenazi, Chief Executive Officer of The Stars Group said: “We believe this strategic partnership uniquely positions us to build a leading betting business in the U.S., which represents one of the most exciting long-term growth opportunities for our company. Leveraging our proven media partnership strategy with Sky Sports in the UK, we are excited to partner with FOX Sports to integrate wagering into sports media and drive customer acquisition and retention in the US.”
Eric Shanks, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Producer of FOX Sports added: “FOX Sports is already synonymous with the best live sports events in the country and now we are expanding the way we immerse fans in the sports culture they love. Digital sports wagering represents a growing market opportunity that allows us to diversify our revenue streams, connect directly with consumers and expand the reach of the FOX Sports brand.”
