Basketball powerhouse LeBron James is joining DraftKings’ team as a talent ambassador, the American betting operator announced. While best known for his basketball prowess, King James’ partnership with the gambling juggernaut will actually be centered on football.
According to the announcement, the multi-year agreement will see the Los Angeles Lakers star participate in a variety of football activations centered on select key tentpole events. This latest football venture will see James, who is prohibited from discussing the NBA under the terms of his agreement, leverage his understanding of the professional sports sector as a whole.
James is, admittedly, no stranger to football himself. Prior to his foray into the world of professional basketball, the King played football for two years for St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio.
A Union of the Crowns
LeBron James commented on his new venture on X, where he shared a promotional photo of himself under DraftKings’ signature crown. Using emoji, he implied that this is a partnership between kings and added:
Football season just got A LOT more fun. Let’s go!
LeBron James
Meanwhile, Jason Robins, DraftKings’ board chair, welcomed the basketball star to the DraftKings family. Robins lauded King James as “one of the most influential athletes of all time” and said that the current deal is an “absolute honor and privilege” for his team.
Robins added that he cannot wait to work with such an outstanding athlete who reflects the operator’s love for sports.
We look forward to working with a passionate sports fan who shares the same competitive mindset that echoes throughout the walls at DraftKings, while delivering exciting engagement opportunities to our customers and his loyal fanbase for years to come.
Jason Robins, chair, DraftKings
Other Fresh DraftKings News
LeBron James isn’t the only new addition to the DraftKings family. A few days ago, the gambling giant also added the experienced Marie Donoghue as its new chief business and growth officer. In her new role, Donoghue was tasked with overseeing different internal processes and leveraging her extensive experience to help DraftKings grow.
An earlier report, meanwhile, implied that a tie-up between DraftKings and Barstool Sports is in the works. People familiar with the matter implied that this deal is set to be a game-changer.
In other news, two individuals were just indicted for participation in a recent cyberattack on DraftKings. If convicted, they could face up to 20 years in prison.