The Cubs and DraftKings announced a multi-year partnership Thursday that will include the creation of a new sportsbook, possibly including betting windows at Wrigley Field.
It would be the first sportsbook at an MLB stadium. The deal, estimated to be worth a reported $100 million, will need approval from the city of Chicago. The partners would also need to land a license with the Illinois Gaming Board.
No timetable for completion has been announced because several hurdles remain. The deal reportedly has been in the works since at least June 2019.
“DraftKings has been a great partner for a number of years and we are excited to expand this relationship as sports betting grows rapidly in Illinois,” president of business operations Crane Kenney said in the press release. “An increasing number of sports fans want to integrate sports betting into their game experience, and we’re excited to be one of the first to engage in developing a retail sportsbook at a professional sports venue.”
DraftKings already operates retail sportsbooks in eight states, including a location at Casino Queen in East St. Louis.
“This is truly a historic moment, as we are thrilled to align with the renowned Chicago Cubs franchise and iconic Wrigley Field to provide sports bettors in Chicago with a revolutionary sports betting experience” DraftKings co-founder and president Matt Kalish said in the joint statement. “As two organizations that share a mutual passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence, we look forward to working in collaboration with the Cubs, an organization steeped in tradition, and making our presence felt in and around Wrigleyville.”
Though financial details weren’t disclosed, DraftKings will be the official sports betting and daily fantasy partner of the Cubs.
This is a major step for Major League Baseball, which took a hard stand against betting 100 years ago after the 1919 “Black Sox” scandal that nearly derailed baseball. But in recent years, DraftKings — with its daily fantasy games — has had a cozy partnership with MLB.
DraftKings reportedly wants a hybrid sportsbook and sports bar at Wrigley Field that would operate even when the Cubs aren’t playing in Chicago.
Because MLB rules prohibit from having a stake in sports gambling, the Ricketts family must remain independent from the sportsbook.
