The long wait to see which sports betting operator partners with North Carolina’s lone NFL team is over.
The Carolina Panthers and FanDuel announced a multi-year agreement on Monday.
"We are thrilled to welcome FanDuel as an Official Sports Betting Partner," Carolina Panthers president Kristi Coleman said. "As we look ahead to the 2024 season, we're excited about the opportunities this partnership presents to deliver unique and engaging experiences to our fans while they are in North Carolina."
The big reveal comes one week before the March 11 launch date for mobile wagering in the Tar Heel State.
"Bringing FanDuel to sports fans across North Carolina is an important moment for our business, and we are thrilled to be able to work with the Carolina Panthers to introduce their fanbase to America's No. 1 Sportsbook," said Mike Raffensperger, Chief Commercial Officer of FanDuel. "We look forward to supporting the team next season and to engaging the passionate sports fans across North Carolina with our product.”
Bang for their buck
While financial terms of the deal were not released, FanDuel receives the marketing rights to use the Panthers and the team logo across various channels, including partnering with Carolina on digital and social media content.
Bank of America Stadium will also display digital signage and hold exclusive FanDuel events.
FanDuel’s “Up & Adams” show with host Kay Adams will broadcast live on FanDuel TV, FanDuel TV+, and YouTube on Wednesday from Bank of America in Charlotte.
Former Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly, who was a seven-time Pro Bowler, five-time first-team All-Pro, and the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year, will join the show as a guest. Kuechly already had an existing partnership with FanDuel.
North Carolina sports fans! Get ready as @FDSportsbook is coming to our state on March 11th. Head to https://t.co/C9j1LYD6dJ now to sign up early and get $300 in bonus bets when you place your first $5 bet on launch day! #FanDuelPartner pic.twitter.com/JsGclst67P
— Luke Kuechly (@LukeKuechly) March 1, 2024
Retail status
North Carolina is the 22nd U.S. state to offer FanDuel Sportsbook.
The online operator announced a partnership with the PGA Tour in December to ensure entry into one of the top 10 most populous markets in the U.S.
The partnership with the Panthers secures a retail sportsbook site for FanDuel as Bank of America is one of eight N.C. sports venues approved to house brick-and-mortar wagering at or adjacent to the facility.
In-person North Carolina sports betting will not start on March 11 and will come at a later date.
Pre-registration for FanDuel and the seven other online sports betting licensed operators in North Carolina began on March 1. Customers must be 21 years of age to create an account.
FanDuel is offering $100 in bonus bets for registrations by March 10 and then $200 beginning at noon on March 11 for customers who wager at least $5.
Partnering up
The NBA’s Charlotte Hornets were the first team last year to partner with a sportsbook when it made bet365 an official sponsor. The NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes linked up with Fanatics Sportsbook.
DraftKings got into N.C. through a partnership with NASCAR while BetMGM agreed to a deal with the Charlotte Motor Speedway. ESPN BET and Underdog Sportsbook secured spots through partnerships with Quail Hollow Club and Sedgefield Country Club, respectively.
Caesars has not partnered with a sports team as it gained access to the market through its agreements with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
