At the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, DraftKings and ESPN jointly disclosed their decision to integrate user accounts between two platforms through a demonstration.
In a joint statement, the two companies noted that by linking accounts, customers would not only receive a more personalized and seamless experience but would also be “opened to new features.” One of the features mentioned was the Bet Your Bracket option.
The launch of the account linking feature has been cleverly scheduled right before the tournament period of the March Madness men’s and women’s teams which in recent times, have been declared the highest-rated sports events in terms of viewership for the last 30 years by both unions.
Besides, fans who link their accounts will get to enjoy the ESPN Unlimited subscription entirely free of charge for a month. After this service comes into effect, DraftKings users will be able to access the Sportsbook app and proceed to the Bet Your Bracket area where they can sign up for an ESPN account. Once the link is made, participants who make brackets through ESPN Tournament Challenge, which is the top college basketball game on ESPN, will be able to immediately take advantage of the personalized betting feature.
This service will recommend bet types that correspond to users’ bracket picks, provide personalized tips, and offer continuous engagement opportunities during the tournament.
Stephanie Sherman, chief marketing officer of DraftKings, said:
DraftKings and ESPN share a deep passion for sports and a commitment to enhancing how fans engage with the moments that matter most – especially during the pinnacle of the college basketball season. As we work toward bringing the full DraftKings sports experience together nationwide through our upcoming Super App, DraftKings Sports & Casino, integrating account linking with ESPN is a natural step in creating a more seamless, connected platform for fans.
Mike Morrison, vice president of ESPN Betting & Fantasy, said:
Account linking creates a level of personalization that no one else in the market can match. The Bet Your Bracket feature during March Madness is just the start. Soon fans will be able to seamlessly track upcoming, live and settled bets within the ESPN app and on ESPN.com and receive bets and timely promotions based on their favorite sports, teams, players and fantasy rosters.
