NFL inks multiyear deals with three gambling companies

The NFL logo is displayed on a goal post at Acrisure Stadium before an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens in Pittsburgh Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File) The NFL logo is displayed on … more >

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By Liam Griffin - The Washington Times - Thursday, August 27, 2026

NFL players are still heavily restricted from having relationships with gambling companies. Players can’t bet on the sport, or even enter a sportsbook during the NFL season.

But NFL officials agreed to multiyear contracts with three gambling partners on Thursday, the league announced.

DraftKings, FanDuel and Fanatics signed deals that made them “official NFL partners.” They’ll be able to use official NFL logos to promote online and retail offerings. The league will give the companies access to its Next Gen Stats database and allow them to promote “unique hospitality and VIP experiences” at tentpole events like the draft and the Super Bowl.

The league had already partnered with each sportsbook operator, but Thursday’s announcement confirmed those relationships for the foreseeable future.

“We are thrilled to have three world-class partners in the sports betting category,” said Renie Anderson, the NFL’s executive vice president and chief revenue officer. “DraftKings, FanDuel and Fanatics share our vision for innovation and fan engagement, but most importantly, our commitment to protecting the integrity of the game. We look forward to navigating this next chapter in sports betting together.”

The gambling companies will continue to share information with league officials. The NFL is on the lookout for “wagers the league finds objectionable,” according to a news release. Objectionable bets include those tied to officiating or injuries, or gamblers who appear to have inside knowledge of a topic.

NFL players, coaches and staff members are required to complete an annual training on the league’s gambling policy. Each team also has an assigned “Integrity Representative” to help monitor for suspicious activity.

“For the last five years, the NFL has been an important partner in helping build a legal and regulated sports betting industry that puts fans and the integrity of the game at the center,” FanDuel President Christian Genetski said. “We’re proud of what we’ve built together and look forward to continuing to find new ways for fans to engage with the games they love.”

The NFL regular season kicks off Sept. 9, when the defending champion Seattle Seahawks host the New England Patriots in a Super Bowl rematch.