MGM Resorts to partner with NBA and WNBA on sports betting
MGM Resorts International said Tuesday it has entered into a multi-year partnership to become the official gaming platform for the National Basketball Association and the Women’s National Basketball Association. MGM shares rallied 2.4% in afternoon trade. The partnership, the NBA’s first with a sports betting operator, comes after a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year that cleared the way for states to legalize sports betting. As part of the partnership, MGM will use official NBA and WNBA data and branding across its land-based and digital sports bettering offerings. “As the landscape for sports betting in the U.S. continues to evolve at a rapid pace, MGM Resorts is a proven gaming leader for us to work with on this groundbreaking partnership,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “”Our collaboration will result in the best possible gaming and entertainment experience for consumers through the use of accurate, real-time NBA and WNBA data, and our collective efforts to maintain and enhance the integrity of our games.” MGM shares have edged up 0.3% over the past three months, while the S&P 500 has gained 6.5%.