A historic NBA sports betting deal with MGM Resorts is a significant turnabout.

Finding common ground between the major sports leagues and the sports betting world has been a little like looking for hens’ teeth. Since PASPA was ‘ceremoniously’ dismantled back in May, the leagues have searched long and hard for a willingness on the part of the industry and state law makers to agree to a one per cent integrity fee. Those calls have hitherto been met with a fractious blend of derision and outright cynicism. Only New York conceded to such an arrangement, but missed its legislative deadline in any case.

Yesterday’s announcement that MGM will form an official partnership with the NBA to use its data and branding will, therefore, be viewed as something of a game changer in that respect. The terms of the deal have not been revealed, but according to ESPN it will cost MGM $25m over three years. So still no integrity fee, but instead a form of ‘compensation’ for the use of data or, as the leagues would prefer to call it, intellectual property.

Interestingly, the partnership appears to be non-exclusive. That means, presumably, the NBA and all its teams who sail within her are free to jump into bed with other sports wagering providers. Time will tell!

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