The NBA game will air on ESPN, while ESPN+ and ESPN2 will carry Daily Wager Special. According to an ESPN press release, the show include discussion about game action in relation to pregame odds, tracking live odds (spread, total), discussion on futures (NBA MVP, conference odds, NBA Finals odds) and updates from other games being played.
It is the first time ESPN will air an alternate broadcast centered on sports wagering content.
Sports betting analysts Doug Kezirian, Joe Fortenbaugh and Tyler Fulghum, will participate from ESPN’s Las Vegas studios at the Linq. Kendrick Perkins, a regular NBA analyst, will also contribute to the show.
“We know the sports fan is evolving in how they use our games and our information, and we need to evolve with them, and provide them with alternative experiences,” Mike Shiffman, VP of basketball production for ESPN, told entertainment site Variety. “We hope by giving them more options that we serve them better and we grow our audience.”
A pregame show will feature commentators giving pregame predictions, while a halftime show will include discussion of graded bets, a second-half betting preview, and updates on games around the NBA.
ESPN has significantly grown its presence in sports betting media over the last year. In September 2020, the sports network agreed to a multi-year deal with Caesars Entertainment to feature William Hill sportsbook and its sports betting odds.
