FanDuel Expands Special Olympics Partnership Ahead of 2026 USA Games
FanDuel has expanded its partnership with Special Olympics to support inclusion, wellness, and athlete recovery at the 2026 USA Games.
FanDuel and Special Olympics have expanded their partnership in February 2026, deepening a collaboration aimed at promoting inclusion, wellness, and equal access to sport through the “Everyone’s Game” initiative.
The expanded agreement positions FanDuel as an official partner of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, which will bring together thousands of athletes from across the country to compete in more than 30 sports.
The initiative underscores a shared message from both organizations: that sports should be accessible to everyone, regardless of ability.
FanDuel Joins as Official Partner of 2026 USA Games
As part of the expanded partnership, FanDuel will play a direct role in supporting athletes competing at the 2026 USA Games, with a focus on physical wellness, recovery, and opportunity.
Key elements of FanDuel’s support include:
- Sports Recovery Stations to help athletes rest and recover between competitions
- Healthy Athletes Fun Fitness areas designed to promote overall wellness and physical opportunity
- On-site resources aimed at improving athlete performance and experience
The USA Games are one of the largest sporting events in the country, featuring athletes with intellectual disabilities competing at the highest levels within the Special Olympics movement.
“Everyone’s Game” Initiative at the Center
The partnership expansion builds on FanDuel’s “Everyone’s Game” platform, which emphasizes inclusion, belonging, and access across the broader sports community.
Both organizations say the initiative reflects a belief that sport has the power to bring people together, challenge stereotypes, and foster understanding, values that are central to the Special Olympics mission.
The collaboration also aligns closely with Special Olympics Unified Sports, a model that brings athletes with and without intellectual disabilities together on the same teams to promote inclusion and break down barriers.
Regional Media Plays a Key Role
The partnership extends beyond event support into media and storytelling through the FanDuel Sports Network, helping amplify the voices and experiences of Special Olympics athletes.
Notable media contributions include:
- Special Olympics Florida naming FanDuel Sports Network Florida its Media Partner of the Year
- Ongoing coverage highlighting athlete stories and inclusive sports programming
- Expanded regional exposure designed to raise awareness and shift public perceptions
FanDuel Sports Network has donated broadcast time to Special Olympics programming for more than three decades, helping showcase athletes and initiatives that often receive limited mainstream coverage.
Longstanding Broadcast Support
FanDuel’s media arm has a long history of supporting Special Olympics through broadcast partnerships, providing visibility to athletes and competitions across regional markets.
According to the organizations, this sustained media presence has helped:
- Increase public awareness of intellectual disabilities
- Highlight athletic achievement rather than limitations
- Encourage community engagement and volunteerism
The expanded partnership builds on that foundation, pairing broadcast support with on-the-ground athlete services at the USA Games.
Strategic Fit for FanDuel
For FanDuel, the collaboration reflects a broader strategy focused on social impact, wellness, and responsible engagement within the sports ecosystem.
Company leaders have emphasized that supporting inclusive sports initiatives aligns with FanDuel’s role as a major sports brand, extending beyond wagering into community engagement and advocacy.
Industry observers note that partnerships like this also allow sports betting operators to demonstrate commitments to responsible, values-driven initiatives as the sector continues to mature and face regulatory scrutiny.
What the 2026 USA Games Represent
The Special Olympics USA Games serve as a national showcase for athletes with intellectual disabilities, offering:
- Elite-level competition across dozens of sports
- A platform for inclusion and representation
- Opportunities for athletes to demonstrate skill, determination, and sportsmanship
The Games also serve as a catalyst for broader conversations around access to sport, adaptive athletics, and community inclusion.
Looking Ahead
With the 2026 USA Games approaching, FanDuel and Special Olympics say the expanded partnership will continue to evolve, with additional initiatives and programming expected leading up to the event.
For athletes, the collaboration promises enhanced support and resources. For fans and viewers, it offers increased exposure to stories that challenge assumptions and celebrate ability.
At its core, the partnership reinforces a simple message shared by both organizations: sports are everyone’s game.
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