Why Is DraftKings Stock Surging Today?
Shares of DraftKings (DKNG) climbed nearly 3% in early trading following the announcement of a new multiyear partnership with Walt Disney Co. (DIS). Starting December 2025, DraftKings will become the exclusive sportsbook and odds provider for ESPN, Disney's sports network.
Details of the Partnership
ESPN revealed that DraftKings’ entertainment products will be integrated throughout its platform, with a full launch planned for 2026.
“Fans will be able to enjoy betting features and access to offerings including DraftKings’ sportsbook, daily fantasy, and DraftKings Pick6 at launch,” ESPN said.
This agreement means DraftKings will have a major presence on ESPN’s digital channels, featuring a dedicated betting tab in the ESPN app. Customers will also receive special promotions for ESPN Unlimited, ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer service.
Market and Industry Reactions
- Retail sentiment on DraftKings shifted from neutral to bullish in just one day.
- Message activity about DraftKings on Stocktwits hit high levels, indicating strong investor interest.
Additional Strategic Moves
The financial details of the deal between DraftKings and ESPN remain undisclosed. ESPN BET will transform into a content brand focused on sports betting, powered by DraftKings Sportsbook integrations and anchored by ESPN’s flagship betting show, ESPN BET Live.
Earlier, Penn Entertainment and ESPN announced an early end to their exclusive U.S. online sports betting agreement, effective December 2025.
Author’s Summary
This partnership marks a strategic expansion for DraftKings, integrating its betting services deeply into ESPN's platforms and fueling strong market enthusiasm.