NBA Takes DFS Overseas

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has been one of the most vocal supporters of legalized sports betting. He knows it takes place, as do commissioners of all major sports. Rather than pretend it doesn’t exist, Silver has argued for regulated legalization. He believes the sport can best be policed that way.

Earlier this week, the NBA signed an agreement with the daily fantasy sports site PlayON. The agreement makes PlayOn the official DFS partner of the NBA in parts of Europe, Asia and Latin America. That was key for PlayON, which as an official partner can use NBA images and logos.

While PlayOn isn’t well-known in the United States, it has made a name for itself overseas. They are the official partner of the PGA European Tour and the Caribbean Premier League cricket tournament.

PlayOn didn’t waste any time getting into the mix.

“Beginning with the 2017 NBA Playoffs, PlayON will offer Official Daily Fantasy NBA Games in major markets across the globe,”  the company said in a press release. “The games will be tailored to local audiences and offered in local languages.”

Salvatore LaRocca, NBA President of Global Partnerships, said it was a great fit due to basketball’s global fan base.

“Our partnership with PlayON provides us an opportunity to deepen our engagement with our international audience,” he said.

PlayOn got a late start in the daily fantasy sports field, but has customers from all over the globe. The company started offering DFS games in 2012 and has customers in more than 100 countries. Sports covered include football, basketball, golf, cricket, rugby union, rugby league and Australian rules football. The company has offices in Dublin and London.

PlayOn CEO Killian Jones said the daily schedule of games also makes the NBA a great partner.

“PlayON is delighted to be partnering with the NBA to deliver Official Daily Fantasy NBA Games,” he said.

Games started with the playoffs.