FanDuel looks to Canadian gains with multi-year TSN deal
US market leader to become official sportsbook partner of broadcaster beginning in Ontario
FanDuel has agreed a first-of-its-kind, multi-year agreement to become the official sportsbook partner for Canadian sports broadcaster The Sports Network (TSN).
Under the terms of the deal, FanDuel’s sportsbook will serve as the exclusive provider of sports odds across TSN programming, something which will aim to “deepen fan engagement and reimagine the way sports betting can be offered alongside sports content”.
FanDuel will also utilize content in in-game broadcasts, digital marketing, mobile apps and co-branding opportunities.
In return, TSN will highlight FanDuel’s sportsbook and online gaming offering, beginning first in Ontario, following the launch of regulated operations in the Canadian province on April 4.
“The deal provides opportunity for scaled expansion into other Canadian provinces and territories pending regulation,” FanDuel said in a statement.
FanDuel is one of a number of operators who have gone live in the Ontario market on launch day, a list which includes BetMGM, theScore, and PointsBet.
“Bringing our industry-leading sportsbook platform to Canada is a watershed moment for FanDuel,” FanDuel general manager Dale Hooper said.
“Partnering with Canada’s most iconic and trusted media company was integral to our strategy of delivering gaming content to passionate Canadian sports fans in the most entertaining and responsible way possible,” Hooper added.
TSN was launched in September 1984, and in 2014 the network went to a four-channel 24-hour feed network, with each channel serving as the primary TSN network for each region of Canada.
TSN simulcasts major events, while all five channels can air programming autonomously including alternative national events and studio shows, supplemental coverage of larger events, and regional programming (such as NHL games, restricted to the home team’s market).
TSN senior vice president Stewart Johnston welcomed the multi-year agreement with FanDuel, highlighting the group’s pedigree in the US market.
“FanDuel is the undisputed leader in sports betting, and with the launch of sports betting in Canada they were the clear choice for us as a sportsbook partner,” Johnston added.