Disney Strikes Major Gambling Deal: DraftKings Set for Full Platform Integration by 2026

ESPN is preparing for a major shift in how sports fans engage with its content, one that blends real-time wagering with the network’s massive digital reach. But the move isn’t happening in a vacuum—it’s arriving alongside the rise of mobile-first sports consumption, interactive overlays, and fantasy tie-ins already reshaping viewer behavior. Against this backdrop, ESPN and DraftKings Inc. have announced a partnership that is poised to redefine the future of sports entertainment.

The two companies revealed a sweeping multi-year agreement that officially begins on December 1, 2025. Under this deal, DraftKings will serve as the exclusive Official Sportsbook and Odds Provider of ESPN, integrating its technology and products directly into ESPN’s broadcast and digital universe.

The Main Announcement

The collaboration centers on a tiered rollout. As ESPN outlined, beginning in December 2025, DraftKings entertainment products will be integrated across ESPN, and will be integrated completely by 2026. This means fans will soon encounter DraftKings-powered betting lines, daily fantasy access, Pick6 offerings, and more—woven directly into ESPN broadcasts, apps, and on-screen features.

The partnership is designed to give ESPN viewers a more interactive sports experience, while DraftKings gains unprecedented access to one of the largest sports audiences in the world. The ESPN app, one of the most widely used sports apps globally, will feature a dedicated betting tab powered entirely by DraftKings.

Why ESPN Is Making This Move Now

ESPN & @DraftKings enter a multi-year agreement

DraftKings will become the Official Sportsbook & Odds Provider of ESPN

Details: https://t.co/1Vx55jBbBc pic.twitter.com/8m9kcEFRjl

— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) November 6, 2025

In the official announcement, ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro emphasized the company’s strategy of deep integration:

“Our betting approach has focused on offering an integrated experience within our products. Working with DraftKings, a leader in the space, will allow us to build upon that foundation, continue to super-serve passionate sports fans and grow our ESPN direct-to-consumer business. We are excited about this new collaboration with DraftKings.”

ESPN has been steadily shifting toward direct-to-consumer platforms and subscription-based offerings in response to declining traditional cable numbers. Earlier this year, the company launched ESPN Unlimited, its newest subscription product. Under the new agreement, DraftKings customers will receive promotional access to ESPN Unlimited, further linking the two brands’ digital ecosystems.

DraftKings CEO and Co-Founder Jason Robins underscored the compatibility between the two companies, stating:

“ESPN’s unmatched visibility across the world of sports make this collaboration a natural fit. As an innovative leader in digital sports entertainment, DraftKings is uniquely positioned to integrate our technology and products with ESPN’s iconic brand and storytelling power. Together, we’re delivering a seamless, engaging, and responsible experience that elevates how fans connect with live sports.”

Integration Across ESPN’s Digital Platforms

The most noticeable changes for fans will appear inside ESPN’s digital ecosystem—especially the flagship ESPN app. DraftKings will power a new betting tab, enabling fans to interact with lines, odds, and features without leaving ESPN’s environment.

For ESPN, the partnership opens new revenue streams and engagement opportunities. For DraftKings, it creates a direct pipeline to ESPN’s massive user base, which spans casual fans, fantasy players, and serious bettors alike.

What Fans Can Expect in 2025 and 2026

The full transformation won’t be immediate. While the agreement becomes official in December 2025, the features will continue expanding through 2026. Fans tuning into ESPN can expect:

• DraftKings odds and lines integrated into live telecasts
• Real-time betting features paired with ESPN analysis
• Exclusive fantasy content and Pick6 tie-ins
• A DraftKings-powered betting tab in the ESPN app
• Promotional benefits for ESPN Unlimited tied to DraftKings accounts
• Co-branded content and collaborations involving ESPN personalities

These integrations represent a broader shift toward personalized sports viewing experiences—multi-screen interactions, customizable overlays, predictive gaming, and on-demand analysis.

For millions of sports fans, this marks the beginning of a radically different chapter—one where watching the game is just the start.