Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. and Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. on Thursday said they have signed a multi-year marketing partnership with Caesars Sportsbook, an entity of Caesars Entertainment, Inc.
The deal, financial terms of which were not disclosed, makes Caesars Sportsbook an official sports betting partner of the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, Madison Square Garden Arena and MSG Networks.
MSG Sports said Caesars Sportsbook will receive prominent exposure inside Madison Square Garden, including TV visible signage, in-arena LED messaging, GardenVision features and activations on the court and ice during Knicks and Rangers games.
Digital boards outside of Madison Square Garden and in the new Moynihan Train Hall will feature Caesars Sportsbook branding on display to the millions of people who walk by every day.
In addition, the sportsbook operator reportedly will gain significant digital media exposure across MSG Sports’ and MSG Entertainment’s platforms, as well as unique MSG and hospitality experiences at The World’s Most Famous Arena that will be available to Caesars Rewards program customers.
MSG Sports said Caesars Sportsbook will have a branded, premium hospitality space inside Madison Square Garden that will be open for all Knicks and Rangers games, as well as additional select events.
Caesars Rewards members – including customers who sign up for the Caesars Sportsbook mobile app – will have an opportunity to access the space, which MSG Entertainment said will undergo a full refurbishment leading into the 2022-23 Knicks and Rangers seasons.
Once complete, the parties said the space will be highlighted with Caesars Sportsbook branding and feature unique programming, including special guest appearances, giveaways, and enhanced activations, all available through Caesars Rewards.
One Smoove Caesar
MSG Networks and Caesars Sportsbook said they will launch a new content series on MSG Networks and its social media channels featuring Caesar himself, JB Smoove. A longtime Knicks fan and avid New York sports fan, JB Smoove embodies the legendary Caesar in Caesars Sportsbook’s national advertising campaign and the new content series “One Course with JB Smoove” will integrate Caesars Sportsbook betting odds and content.
In addition, MSG Networks and Caesars Sportsbook said they will launch a 20-part programming marathon to bring back the series, “Four Courses with JB Smoove.” The show, which premiered in 2013, showcased JB Smoove having conversations with acclaimed athletes and celebrities from the comfort of a dinner table, and will now be updated with Caesars-themed content.
“We are thrilled to welcome Caesars Sportsbook to the MSG Sports and MSG Entertainment families,” Ron Skotarczak, executive vice president, marketing partnerships, MSG Entertainment, said in a statement. “Caesars Sportsbook is a key player in the growing world of sports betting, and we look forward to utilizing this partnership to further strengthen our brands’ connection with Caesars customers, while also providing the company with significant exposure across our unrivaled set of assets.”
Eric Hession, co-president of Caesars Digital, added: “Caesars Sportsbook is ready for expansion into New York. To partner with these legendary New York brands for compelling creative content and branding uniquely positions us to reach the avid sports fans in the region.”
Said Smoove: “I am thrilled to be reunited with my friends at MSG Networks. I can see it now: Caesar in the Mecca! A match made in heaven!”
The Caesars Sportsbook app currently is live in 20 states and jurisdictions – 14 of which are mobile – and operates the largest number of retail sportsbooks across the country.
Caesars Entertainment, Inc., says it is the largest casino-entertainment company in the US and one of the world’s most diversified casino-entertainment providers. Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada, in 1937, Caesars Entertainment has grown through development of new resorts, expansions and acquisitions. The company’s resorts operate primarily under the Caesars, Harrah’s, Horseshoe and Eldorado brand names.
Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. presents or hosts a broad array of events in its diverse collection of venues: New York’s Madison Square Garden, Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Beacon Theatre; and The Chicago Theatre. MSG Entertainment is building a new venue in Las Vegas, MSG Sphere at The Venetian.
