PointsBet to be an Authorized Gaming Operator of the WNBA

One week into its 2021 regular season, the WNBA has a new betting partner.

PointsBet Online Sportsbook announced Friday a new partnership with the WNBA, making the betting platform an authorized gaming operator.

This is PointsBet’s first deal with a women’s professional sports league, which will go into effect immediately, starting with four games Friday night, according to a news release.

The WNBA, which is marking its 25th season, has a nine-game schedule set for the weekend, featuring the league’s 2020 champion Seattle Storm visiting the Dallas Wings — its lone game on Saturday.

“We are thrilled to align with the WNBA and bring the world-class PointsBet experience to one of the most digitally-engaged fan bases on earth,” Johnny Aitken, chief executive officer of PointsBet USA, said in a news release. “The WNBA has done a phenomenal job with growing fan engagement, and PointsBet is excited to be a piece of that puzzle moving forward.

“In owning and operating our technology from end to end, PointsBet can innovate our product and personalize our offerings according to fan interest and needs — WNBA supporters will appreciate this competitive advantage, as well as our app's market-leading speed and ease of use.”

PointsBet is live in some of the biggest legal sports betting states — Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and New Jersey. In February, the Australian-based company announced it was entering into an agreement with the NHL making PointsBet an “Official Sports Betting Partner” in exchange for equity in the company.

Last August, PointsBet became the official sports betting partner of NBC Sports.

WNBA Branding Opportunities

PointsBet said it will integrate the WNBA into their betting platforms and receive WNBA sponsorship and brand opportunities.

“Innovating at the WNBA and enhancing the fan experience starts with recognizing how our fans want to interact with the players, teams, and the league, and PointsBet will enhance a second screen experience that digitally-engaged fans are looking for,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in the release. “We’re excited to partner with PointsBet to continue expanding in the sports betting space and look forward to the innovative ideas they will bring to our game.”

The WNBA was founded in 1996 by the NBA.

FanDuel Sportsbook and BetMGM Sportsbook operators that have had partnership arrangements with the WNBA. MGM Resorts was also owner of the Las Vegas Aces before selling the team to Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis earlier this year.