The Cleveland Cavaliers and Fubo Gaming have announced a deal that makes Fubo Sportsbook an official Ohio sports betting app partner of the NBA franchise.
“This is an exciting evolution of our continued partnership with Fubo Gaming,” said Cavaliers and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse CEO Len Komoroski. “The Fubo Sportsbook mobile wagering platform provides leading technology, connectivity, and entertainment that aligns perfectly with our commitment to innovation and engagement across every aspect of the fan experience.
“We look forward to the continued collaboration with Fubo as we work to establish a best-in-class sports betting marketplace to offer our fans in Cleveland and throughout the state of Ohio.
Cleveland Cavaliers and Fubo Gaming Announce Ohio Market Access Agreement https://t.co/0YjdiRm4uS pic.twitter.com/5TfkKsynQo
— Latest News from Business Wire (@NewsFromBW) February 8, 2022
The deal adds to an established relationship dating back to last year when the two parties announced Fubo Gaming’s first sponsorship agreement with an NBA team.
Fubo expanding exposure with Cavaliers
The latest deal, pending regulatory approvals, will have Fubo Gaming partnered with the Cavs as it launches Fubo Sportsbook in Ohio. Fubo Sportsbook, a sports wagering platform tied to a live TV streaming service, already exists in Iowa and Arizona. It also has market access agreements in Indiana, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
The deal includes Fubo Sportsbook opening a 3,000-square-foot sports lounge inside Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse for fans, who will be able to view NBA games and other sporting events on video screens inside the lounge.
“The opportunity to enter the Ohio sports betting market with the Cavaliers as our partner is a major step forward for Fubo,” said Scott Butera, Fubo Gaming president. “Ohio has a passionate fan base who will enjoy Fubo’s uniquely integrated streaming and wagering sports betting experience.
“The Cavs are at the forefront of sports innovation and consistently create highly engaging fan experiences. This partnership provides Fubo instant access to a highly attractive customer base.”
Fubo Sportsbook bets on hold until launch
The Cavaliers and Fubo Gaming plan to promote the partnership through a joint marketing campaign, highlighted by highly visible signage during Cavaliers television and radio programming. Fubo Gaming also serves as the presenting partner of Cavs Pick’Em, a free-to-play gaming platform.
Of course, legal sports betting in Ohio isn’t up and running yet. The law to legalize the activity states that sports betting must be launched by Jan. 1, 2023.
Currently, the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) is in the process of sharing batches of rules. The OCCC has released three batches of rules, and Batch 3, which focuses on sports gaming exclusion programs and Type C licenses, is open for public comment until Friday.
Photo: Shutterstock
