PointsBet, an online gaming and sports betting company, has agreed a partnership with Major League Soccer (MLS) team Austin FC to become a founding partner.
Currently playing its debut season in the MLS, Austin FC is the only soccer team in the city. Per the multi-year agreement, PointsBet will gain exclusive rights to retail and online sports betting, daily betting and free-to-play games for the club.
This deal marks PointsBet’s first partnership with an MLS team.
"As the city's only major league sports team, Austin FC has excited global soccer fans and is setting a new standard for what it means to deliver for their supporters and their community by putting a laser-focus on experience,” said Johnny Aitken, CEO of PointsBet USA. “That's exactly what we're doing in the sports betting industry, and we simply couldn't be more thrilled to align with the club in its inaugural season as a founding partner. We look forward to a future when our groundbreaking technology will be in the hands of Austin FC's passionate and tech savvy fanbase."
The deal will see the sportsbook receive brand integration throughout Austin FC’s recently opened Q2 stadium. This includes a PointsBet sports bar on the second level of the North Building. Concurrently, the online sportsbook will gain access to the full usage of Austin FC’s IP, including logos, giveaways, sweepstakes, events and various other sponsorship opportunities.
"PointsBet has emerged as a leader in what is arguably the most competitive and coveted landscape in sports," commented Andy Loughnane, president of Austin FC. "We are honored that PointsBet has chosen to strategically align with Austin FC and Major League Soccer as they continue to expand their impressive North American footprint."
Sports betting is currently unregulated in Texas, meaning PointsBet will not operate a sportsbook with Austin FC for now. However, the online sportsbook is currently operating in newly regulated Colorado as well as Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, New Jersey and West Virginia.
The company allows wagering for the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, NHL and MLS.
