Gaming operator FanDuel has announced a multi-year partnership agreement with National Basketball Association (NBA) Hall of Famer Charles Barkley.
The agreement is an expansion of a previous deal with Turner Sports, which saw New York-based FanDuel become the exclusive sportsbook partner for the network’s NBA coverage.
As part of the expansion, FanDuel will become the new sports betting and online gaming partner of Charles Barkley, who currently serves as an analyst on the Inside the NBA programme.
Furthermore, the firm’s Sportsbook Odds will be integrated with the popular ‘Charles Barkley Guratnee’ segment.
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Barkley commented on the agreement: ““The Inside the NBA crew and I really enjoyed working with FanDuel during last season’s playoffs and I’m grateful to now be their brand ambassador.
“FanDuel helps our show be more informative and interactive, and they do it in a way that any knucklehead could understand. So even if your team is down by 20 in the fourth quarter, with FanDuel you’ll have a reason to keep watching.”
Barkley will also serve as FanDuel’s spokesperson and brand ambassador, appearing in the company’s advertising and Turner Sports promotions, and will provide unique content for its social media channels and make guest appearances on podcasts and television programmes affiliated with the firm.
“Charles has been with the Turner Sports family for more than 20 years, bringing his unique flair, personality and predictions to our NBA on TNT telecasts,” said Will Funk, Executive Vice President, Sports Partnerships and Branded Content, Turner Sports.
“We look forward to featuring him in engaging FanDuel brand integrations on Turner Sports’ and Bleacher Report’s NBA programming.”
The former NBA power forward is the latest in a series of sports betting influencers to form partnerships with FanDuel, joining Pat McAfee and the PMI Team, in addition to World Wide Wob, Cousin Sal, and JJ Zachariason.
Mike Raffensperger, Chief Marketing Officer of FanDuel Group, said: “Charles Barkley is an American sports icon, a television legend and gaming royalty, so he’s the perfect person to ring in the holidays for our customers.
“For the next few years, we look forward to amplifying his voice and adding Barkley’s one of a kind personality will continue to differentiate FanDuel and make sports betting fun for everyone.”
