Story by Brandon Bonaparte
Monday night, the Arizona Senate’s landmark decision to pass legislation (now signed by Gov. Doug Ducey) that allows for legal sports gambling in the state opened up the door for professional sports teams in the Valley to secure partnerships that before were not possible.
The Phoenix Suns wasted no time in doing just that. They announced Thursday morning their blockbuster partnership with FanDuel, proclaiming FanDuel as their Daily Fantasy and Official Sportsbook Partner.
“This is a watershed moment for the Suns organization and our fans,” said Phoenix Suns President & CEO Jason Rowley in a release from the Suns and FanDuel. “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.”
The multi-year market access partnership will also allow FanDuel to open a sportsbook inside the Suns’ arena, projecting to be readily available to the public by the 2021-22 NBA season.
The 6,300 square feet sportsbook will feature self-service kiosks and a full-service ticket window, allowing fans to enjoy and bet on various sporting events happening across the world. A fan can now spend their halftime experience placing parlays and analyzing the days’ action.
On top of the in-arena venue, fans will be able to place sports wagers from the luxury of their seats through the FanDuel Sportsbook app.
“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,” said Mike Raffensperger, FanDuel Group CMO in the release. “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.”
The Suns and FanDuel will also collaborate on projects meant to build awareness for responsible gambling. The Suns defeated the Sacramento Kings last night and are back in action this Saturday, April 17 against the San Antonio Spurs.
