Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) operator PrizePicks has officially opened its new 33,000-square-foot headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.
The opening was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, December 12, with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp in attendance.
Speaking at the opening, the company’s CEO, Mike Ybarra, said, “This marks a major milestone for PrizePicks as we celebrate a new chapter of growth."
Ybarra added, "I’d like to extend my thanks to Governor and First Lady Kemp for their continued support as we look to further the city’s mission of becoming a major tech hub in the U.S. Not only do we see massive opportunity to foster homegrown talent in the state, but also to attract the top minds in tech from around the country.”
PrizePicks first announced its plans to open the building and expand its workforce earlier this year amid significant growth. The company said it will invest $25 million in the facility and hire around 1,000 new employees over the next seven years.
When praising the expansion in April, Governor Kemp said, “Today’s announcement is a reminder of our strength in both welcoming new projects as well as creating an atmosphere where existing businesses can expand and thrive. I look forward to seeing the impact of these thousand jobs on the Atlanta community.”
Co-founder Adam Wexler, who served as PrizePicks’ CEO at the time, added, “Atlanta has always been our home, where we are redefining mobile sports entertainment.”
A change of CEO
Wexler stepped down as CEO in August 2024 and transitioned to Executive Chairman. Ybarra, former president of Blizzard Entertainment, was then appointed as his replacement, bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience.
Ybarra said, “I am impressed with the passion, positive energy and incredible team at PrizePicks and want to thank Adam and the Board for this opportunity. PrizePicks is the most exciting company in sports entertainment today, and it's an honor to join as CEO. I have tremendous respect for the foundation that Adam has built and look forward to working with him and the team.”
Investing in its home city
Founded in Atlanta in 2015, PrizePicks continues to invest in its home city, aiming to generate an economic impact of $25 million for Georgia, according to the press release.
The company also noted its commitment to responsible gaming as it expands. This summer, PrizePicks announced a partnership with Kindbridge Behavioral Health, a mental health service provider specializing in problem gambling treatment. The deal gives PrizePicks players and employees access to support at no initial cost.
The company has expanded across the U.S. and Canada and is now available in 43 states as well as Washington, D.C. PrizePicks offers a new gambling option in states like Georgia, which lacks sports betting.
A spokesperson for PrizePicks added, “Georgia has a long history of legalized skill games operating in the state and PrizePicks is a nationally recognized game of skill.”
