NBA Teaming Up With MGM Resorts For Sports Gambling Partnership

The NBA is the most progressive of the three major sports leagues in the United States. Continuing with that theme, the Association has become the first major U.S. sports league to partner with a sportsbook operator.

On Tuesday, commissioner Adam Silver announced that the league and MGM Resorts have come together in an exclusive partnership with MGM being named the official gaming partner of the NBA and WNBA. MGM will have the ability to use league highlights, logos and a data feed from the NBA. Silver said that the move gives MGM a competitive edge over the competitors.

“Those operators who create the best experience for consumers that have official data, that have the official imprimatur of our league and other leagues as well, are going to be those that win in the hearts and minds of consumers,”

According to ESPN’s Darren Rovell, the three-year deal is worth approximately $25 million.

“Let’s take advantage of this opportunity and do something historic.”

Adam Silver announces the NBA’s partnership with MGM Resorts International pic.twitter.com/jwcydJe5jI

— NBA TV (@NBATV) July 31, 2018

The announcement comes after the May decision of the United States Supreme Court, which ruled that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was unconstitutional. That set the stage for sports gambling to be legalized across the country.

Most recently sports betting has been legalized in Delaware, New Jersey and Mississippi.