DraftKings and Samsung have announced the launch of DraftKings Network on Samsung TV Plus. Samsung’s free ad-supported TV service (FAST) distributes over 250 live channels in the US to those with Samsung smart devices, as well as on the web.
This makes DraftKings the first sportsbook in the US to launch a 24/7 FAST channel, which will become a place for both fans and bettors to engage with content by sports and entertainment personalities.
DraftKingsNetwork.com will host a range of programmes including “The Handle,” “Follow the Money,” “God Bless Football” and “Basketball Illuminati.” NFL player, Andrew Hawkins, NBA analyst Amin El Hassan and other industry professionals such as Mike Golic Jr, Mitch Moss, Pauly Howard and Jessica Smetana are among featured presenters on the network.
Takashi Nakano, Samsun Electronics’ Senior Director of Business Development and Content Acquisitions, said, “DraftKings brings a fresh and crisp look to modern-day sports news and entertainment programming, which our collaboration will deliver to users across millions of devices in the US."
Both audio and video formats of DraftKings’ sports-focused programming will also be available on iHeart Radio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Twitch, among other platforms.
A DraftKings Network scrolling ticker will feature onscreen, with up-to-the-minute scores, betting odds and a DraftKings QR code that, when scanned, will take fans to DraftKings Network offers.
Stacie McCollum, VP of Content at DraftKings, said, “In bringing together some of the most authentic sports and entertainment voices under one umbrella, DraftKings Network is the destination for ‘In on the Action’ sports fans and content they love.
“We look forward to reaching fans with our deep roster of independent, credible and relatable voices that resonate with sports fans and the sports betting community.”
This advertising move is perhaps representative of DraftKings' wider business model. It traditionally spends heavily on marketing with a view to acquiring customers and converting them in the long term.
It did so initially with fantasy sports, before moving on to sports betting – and this approach is best shown in its recent Q1 numbers, which demonstrated a heavy (but decreasing) net loss combined with fast-growing revenue.
