Penn Entertainment signs deal with MLB Players
ESPN Bet in the US and theScore Bet have been named as official sportsbooks.
US.- Penn Entertainment has entered into a deal with MLB Players Inc (MLBPI), a Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) affiliate, to have its platforms named as officially licensed sportsbooks. The deal, secured through OneTeam Partners, covers ESPN Bet in the US and theScore Bet in Canada.
The partnership provides Penn with rights to incorporate MLB player names, images, and likenesses into its sports betting platforms for marketing and promotional campaigns. The deal extends to Penn’s 32 retail sportsbook operations across its casino properties, including 19 under the ESPN BET brand.
Penn Interactive vice president of operations Jason Birney said: “As baseball season gets underway, we’re excited to offer fans an enhanced betting experience that includes player likenesses, expanded wagering options, and a more dynamic product. Partnering with MLB Players Inc. strengthens our connection to the league and its star players and creates additional opportunities to engage fans throughout the season.”
OneTeam Partners president Frank Arthofer added: “By integrating MLB player rights into Penn Entertainment’s platforms, this partnership brings fans closer to the game while unlocking new business opportunities in sports betting. It highlights the growing influence of players in shaping premium, fan-focused betting experiences while enhancing player NIL rights and widening distribution.”
The MLB Players Association also has deals with Fanatics Sportsbook and FanDuel Group.
MLB dismisses umpire Pat Hoberg for violating gambling rules
In February, MLB fired umpire Pat Hoberg for violating the league’s gambling rules. The original decision was made in May 2024 and upheld following an appeals process under the league’s collective bargaining agreement with the MLB Umpires Association (MLBUA). Hoberg did not umpire a game during the 2024 regular season or postseason.
Hoberg denied betting on baseball, and an MLB investigation found no evidence that he placed bets on baseball or that he took any action to manipulate the outcomes of games. But, according to the investigation, he shared legal sports betting accounts with a professional poker player and friend who did place bets on baseball.
