ESPN has announced its decision to discontinue ESPN Bet in December as part of a strategic shift towards a new partnership with DraftKings. This move entails the cessation of its standalone betting app, a venture that was previously developed in collaboration with Penn Entertainment.
The newly integrated features from DraftKings will be showcased within ESPN’s platforms, notably in the redesigned betting tab of the ESPN app. Users will be able to access DraftKings’ sportsbook, daily fantasy games, and the Pick6 feature starting December 1. However, a comprehensive rollout of all integrations is projected to be completed by 2026.
As ESPN pulls the plug on ESPN Bet, Penn Entertainment plans to pivot by rebranding its sports betting app as theScoreBet. This transition aligns with ESPN’s evolving strategy, which aims to provide a seamlessly integrated experience for sports betting within its offerings.
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro expressed his enthusiasm for the new collaboration, highlighting the importance of partnering with a leader like DraftKings in the sports betting space. Pitaro emphasized that this strategic integration will not only enhance the betting experience for sports fans but also contribute to the growth of ESPN’s direct-to-consumer business model.
