The 15-year agreement is the first gaming access deal with an American women’s sports team.
Bally’s receives market access to Arizona and plans to launch mobile sports betting in the Grand Canyon State. Bally’s will soon be active in 15 states.
The agreement also includes a purpose-drive sponsorship deal that will see Bally’s become one of the Mercury’s Changemaker Partners – companies that emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion and commit financial support to women’s sports.
Jason Rowley, CEO & President of the Phoenix Mercury, said, "We are very excited to partner with Bally's on this enormous step forward in the advancement of women's sports. This agreement represents so much more than a team sponsorship; it is a reflection of our shared values and commitment to investing in diversity, equity and inclusion. We could not think of a better way to celebrate the Mercury's 25th year in the WNBA, and what many consider to be the model franchise."
The Mercury are one of the WNBA’s most successful teams, having won three championships. They play at Phoenix Suns Arena.
The Mercury were one of 10 Arizona pro sports franchises to receive a sports betting skin through the state’s expanded gaming bill signed this spring. Mobile and retail sports betting is set to launch in Arizona this September.
Bally’s is currently beta launching its mobile sports betting app Bally Bet. The app had its debut launch in Colorado and launched in Iowa June 29.
"On behalf of the entire Bally's Corporation, we are honored to be a part of such an important milestone in the history of women's sports," said Soo Kim, Chairman of Bally's Corporation's Board of Directors. "Maintaining and implementing a strong diversity, equity and inclusion program is a cornerstone of Bally's operational values, and we look forward to promoting those values as part of our sponsorship with the Phoenix Mercury and hope that other major corporations follow in our footsteps.
