Caesars Entertainment Inc. announced a multi-year deal with the New York Mets on Wednesday, the latest in a string of professional sports partnerships for the Nevada-based company.
The agreement names Caesars Sportsbook as the official sports betting partner of the Mets, provides access to the MLB team’s logos and trademarks, and gives the company branding opportunities around Citi Field.
Another aspect of the deal is Caesars placing an upscale, 13,000-square-foot lounge at the current Metro Grille, which will include a sportsbook sometime during the 2022 season. Those enrolled in Caesars Rewards, the company’s loyalty program, will have access to the space. Officials also said they will provide additional “VIP experiences.”
"New York is a key state for us following the successful launch of our Caesars Sportsbook app in January," said Chris Holdren, co-president of Caesars Digital, in a press release. "The Mets' fanbase is one of the most loyal in baseball and this partnership offers us the chance to treat those passionate fans like Caesars. We look forward to opening our space at Citi Field during an exciting time for the franchise."
A highly desirable market
Since the legal launch of online sports betting in New York in January, the state has been one of the leaders in handle. In its first month, the state pulled in a record $1.6 billion in wagers and followed that up with a reported $1.5 billion in bets during February. The full numbers aren’t in for March, but early reports point to another billion-dollar month.
With the Mets signing a deal with Caesars, the New York Yankees might be the next professional team in the state to sign with a sportsbook.
New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. has also sponsored legislation that would allow sports-betting kiosks in arenas and stadiums. The bill is currently in the Senate Finance Committee and could soon be up for a vote.
The Yankees, as well as officials at Madison Square Garden — where the New York Rangers and Knicks play — have expressed interest in having kiosks in their facility.
Race for sports partnerships
Meanwhile, the Mets have now joined the Washington Wizards and Capitals, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Cleveland Cavaliers as teams that have entered into partnerships with Caesars.
Caesars' deal with the Wizards and Capitals in May 2021 was the first by any company to include opening a sportsbook in a professional sports facility. The Diamondbacks announced their partnership with Caesars in May 2021, which also included a planned sportsbook opening sometime in 2022.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Caesars announced their partnership on Feb. 24. A sportsbook inside Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse is expected to open by the end of 2022.
Of course, Caesars is not the only sportsbook in the U.S. to join forces with a professional sports franchise.
BetMGM has deals with the Arizona Cardinals and Washington Nationals. FanDuel is aligned with the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, the Phoenix Suns, and Major League Soccer team D.C. United. DraftKings has plans to build a sportsbook adjacent to Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, among other moves.
