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ESPN Ends Penn Sportsbook Deal, Taps DraftKings as Exclusive Betting Partner

Underperformance prompted PENN to pivot to theScore Bet, with ESPN set to integrate DraftKings across its platforms.

Overview

  • ESPN and PENN will terminate their exclusive U.S. online sports betting partnership on December 1, 2025, ending the ESPN Bet brand as an operator after two years.
  • ESPN signed a multiyear agreement making DraftKings the exclusive official sportsbook and odds provider, with integrations beginning December 1 and a fuller rollout planned for 2026.
  • DraftKings will power the betting tab in the ESPN app, while ESPN Bet shifts to a betting-content brand anchored by ESPN Bet Live and digital channels.
  • PENN will rebrand its U.S. sportsbook to theScore Bet on December 1, retain customer data from nearly 3 million ESPN Bet sign-ups, and refocus on its iCasino business.
  • Remaining PENN payments to ESPN stop in Q4 2025, with an SEC filing citing $38.1 million in fees plus $5 million in transition advertising support, and ESPN keeping vested warrants while forfeiting unvested and performance warrants.