PointsBet becomes Founding Partner of MLS’ Austin FC

PointsBet has agreed to a partnership with Austin FC of Major League Soccer (MLS) that will grant the firm rights as a Founding Partner of the club.
Image source: Mark Fann/Shutterstock

Global sportsbook operator PointsBet has agreed to a partnership with Austin FC of Major League Soccer (MLS) that will grant the firm rights as a Founding Partner of the club.

Austin FC is currently competing in its inaugural MLS season, playing its home matches at the newly constructed Q2 Stadium. The long-term, exclusive sponsorship agreement spans the emerging gaming category, including retail and online sports betting, daily fantasy, and free-to-play games.

Johnny Aitken, CEO of PointsBet USA, commented: “As the city’s only major league sports team, Austin FC has excited global soccer fans and is setting a new standard for what it means to deliver for their supporters and their community by putting a laser-focus on experience.

“That’s exactly what we’re doing in the sports betting industry, and we simply couldn’t be more thrilled to align with the club in its inaugural season as a Founding Partner. We look forward to a future when our groundbreaking technology will be in the hands of Austin FC’s passionate and tech savvy fanbase.”

As a Founding Partner and as the club’s exclusive and official sports betting partner, PointsBet will receive prominent brand integration at Austin FC’s new Q2 Stadium, and the entitlement to the ‘PointsBet Sports Bar’.

Located on the second level of the North Building, the PointsBet Sports Bar features a variety of beers, food options, 18 television monitors, table games, and air conditioning. It currently operates as a public bar during Q2 Stadium ticketed events and is available to anyone with a match ticket.

The betting operator will also receive full usage of Austin FC IP, marks, and logos, in addition to various sponsorship opportunities and brand visibility across multiple linear and digital assets. The two sides will collaborate on giveaways, promotional sweepstakes, and events throughout the term of the partnership.

PointsBet and Austin FC will activate together in both English and Spanish, as PointsBet’s rare ownership of its technology platform allows the company to be the only sportsbook with deep Spanish language functionality.

Andy Loughnane, President of Austin FC, added: “PointsBet has emerged as a leader in what is arguably the most competitive and coveted landscape in sports. We are honored that PointsBet has chosen to strategically align with Austin FC and Major League Soccer as they continue to expand their impressive North American footprint.”

Though sports betting is not yet available in Texas, those interested in PointsBet can currently participate in the “Lone Star Pick’Em” free-to-play contest courtesy of NBC Sports – PointsBet’s official sports betting partner – which asks users to project outcomes in upcoming professional and college games featuring Texas-based teams.

The two parties will also work together on best-in-class practices to protect the integrity of Austin FC and MLS matches.