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ESPN announces deal with DraftKngs after ESPN Bet’s demise

ESPN announces deal with DraftKngs after ESPN Bet’s demise

The pact with DraftKings comes days after ESPN announced it was exiting a deal with PENN Entertainment for ESPN Bet.

Known for breaking major streaming stories, he’s covered everything from Netflix policy shifts to Peacock’s ad-tier changes. A sci-fi fan and Toshiba Fire TV user, he brings sharp analysis and a love for the genre to his reporting.
ESPN and DraftKings are partnering on sports betting integrations after the wind-down of ESPN Bet.

It didn’t take long for ESPN to find a new sports betting partner this week. Mere hours after announcing that it was exiting a 10-year deal with PENN Entertainment to distribute the ESPN Bet brand, the sports network announced it was partnering with DraftKings for sports betting integrations across its services, including the ESPN direct-to-consumer service.

Key Details:

  • We’re out: ESPN is winding down its partnership on ESPN Bet with PENN.
  • Hail to the king: DraftKings will take over as ESPN’s betting partner on Dec. 1.
  • Full rollout to come: Customers will see DraftKings integrations with ESPN fully in 2026.

ESPN first partnered with PENN Entertainment in 2023, when the sports network lent its name to PENN’s digital sportsbook. In a 10-year agreement, PENN pledged to pay $150 million per year for the right to use the ESPN Bet brand, which was incorporated on various ESPN platforms, including its new ESPN Unlimited service.

As reported by Deadline, both ESPN and PENN had a clause that allowed them to exit the deal if “specific market share performance thresholds were not met.” No specifics were given by either company as to which goalposts were missed.

ESPN isn’t going to let its users go without sports betting integrations for long, however. On Thursday, the company announced a new partnership with DraftKings, which will make that firm the official sportsbook and odds provider of ESPN starting Dec. 1.

“Our betting approach has focused on offering an integrated experience within our products,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said. “Working with DraftKings, a leader in the space, will allow us to build upon that foundation, continue to super-serve passionate sports fans, and grow our ESPN direct-to-consumer business. We are excited about this new collaboration with DraftKings.”

From Dec. 1 on, anyone who presses the Betting tab on the ESPN app will be shown DraftKings odds and wagers. A full rollout of DraftKings products on ESPN platforms is expected to occur in 2026, and ESPN customers will receive special promotions on the ESPN Unlimited platform.

“ESPN’s unmatched visibility across the world of sports makes this collaboration a natural fit,” DraftKings CEO Jason Robins said. “As an innovative leader in digital sports entertainment, DraftKings is uniquely positioned to integrate our technology and products with ESPN’s iconic brand and storytelling power. Together, we’re delivering a seamless, engaging, and responsible experience that elevates how fans connect with live sports.”

ESPN Unlimited

ESPN launched its highly anticipated direct-to-consumer streaming service on August 21, 2025. For the first time, this service gives sports fans access to its full lineup of linear channels without a traditional cable or satellite subscription.

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Subscribers can pay the $31.99 monthly fee for ESPN Unlimited, which unlocks all ESPN linear channels — including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN on ABC — plus ESPN+ and ESPN3, totaling around 47,000 live events each year. A subscription may be purchased monthly or annually.

ESPN+ content is available as part of an ESPN Ultimate subscription; those seeking only ESPN+ can subscribe to ESPN Select for $13.99 instead.

ESPN Unlimited offers extensive coverage of the NFL, NBA, MLB, college sports, UFC, soccer, tennis, and more, along with original programming, studio shows, and “30 for 30” documentaries. Starting in 2026, the platform will become the exclusive U.S. streaming home for WWE’s premium live events, including WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and Royal Rumble.

NFL Network and NFL RedZone are also included through an NFL-ESPN partnership, which adds draft coverage, preseason games, and NFL+ Premium features. The enhanced ESPN app will feature Multiview for watching multiple games simultaneously, real-time stats, betting and fantasy tools, personalized highlight reels, and even e-commerce options for tickets and merchandise.

On September 1, 2026, ESPN Unlimited prices were raised — barely a year after launch — from $13 to $14 per month for ESPN Select and from $30 to $32 for ESPN Unlimited.

Viewers can subscribe directly or bundle ESPN Unlimited with Disney+ and Hulu. With its robust live sports lineup, premium features, and the convenience of streaming anywhere, ESPN’s new service is a must-have for die-hard sports fans looking to cut the cord without sacrificing coverage.


David Satin has been a dedicated News Writer at The Streamable since 2022, covering a wide range of stories in the entertainment and streaming industries. With years of experience writing online, David previously worked as a list writer for Screen Rant, where he gained recognition for his extensive coverage of sci-fi and fantasy genres. His ability to break and analyze major stories has made him a trusted voice in the streaming world. Over the course of his career, Satin has become an integral part of The Streamable team, contributing to some of the most impactful stories in the industry.

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