Arizona’s Phoenix Suns and FanDuel Group have announced a multi-year market access partnership this week, designating the sportsbook operator as the Suns’ Official Sportsbook and DFS Partner.
The agreement follows the historic decision by the Arizona State Legislature and Governor Doug Ducey to pass legislation that legalizes fantasy sports and sports wagering within the state.
Phoenix Suns President and CEO Jason Rowley described the signing of the deal as a “watershed moment” for the Suns organization and its fans, adding: “FanDuel is the perfect partner as our missions are fully aligned. Simply put, FanDuel is committed to making sports more exciting while the Suns are focused on delivering exciting sports and entertainment and engaging fans at the highest level possible.”
Mike Raffenspberger, FanDuel Group CMO, noted: “As we gear up to bring our best-in-class online and retail offerings to the state of Arizona, this is a momentous time for FanDuel, the Suns, and Suns fans alike. We’re excited to open a luxury sportsbook within Phoenix Suns Arena, as the beginning of a long-term and innovative collaboration that will have a lasting impact on the state.”
Subject to regulatory approvals, the comprehensive partnership will include the opening of a luxury retail sportsbook inside Phoenix Suns Arena, further solidifying it as the Southwest’s preeminent sports and entertainment destination. The facility is expected to be completed in time for the 2021-22 NBA season.
Stretching over 6,300 square feet and outfitted with spacious lounge seating, the FanDuel Sportsbook at Phoenix Suns Arena will be fans’ one-stop-shop to enjoy Suns games and other sporting events around the world while placing wagers on the action. It will open daily for patrons to place wagers on a wide variety of events throughout the year.
In addition to a full-service ticket window and self-service kiosks within the sportsbook, fans will be able to place bets throughout Phoenix Suns Arena on their mobile devices during game days and other hosted sporting events. The Suns’ partnership with Verizon has allowed Phoenix Suns Arena to be equipped with the 5G Ultra Wideband network for seamless mobile transactions through the official FanDuel Sportsbook App.
FanDuel will also bring its daily fantasy Sports product to Arizona later this year. Designed for the everyday fan, FanDuel’s fantasy sports app offers boundless options in daily, weekly or season-long contests with cash prizes.
Integral to the partnership, both parties will work together on a series of responsible gambling education activities to ensure Arizona fans enhance their sports experience responsibly. This includes media designed to encourage customers to gamble safely and within limits.
