- Fanatics Sportsbook is now the title sponsor of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour North Carolina Cup.
- The event will now be known as the ‘PPA Tour Fanatics Sportsbook North Carolina Cup.’
- North Carolina launched their online sports betting market on March 11.
Fanatics Sportsbook is venturing into new territory with an innovative partnership, marking its entrance into the North Carolina market. The company has been announced as the title sponsor of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour North Carolina Cup, a significant move given pickleball’s skyrocketing popularity in the United States. The PPA Tour Fanatics Sportsbook North Carolina Cup is set to take place from April 1-7 in Cary, North Carolina, featuring some of the world’s premier pickleball talents.
Ari Borod, the Chief Business Officer at Fanatics Betting & Gaming, expressed excitement over the sponsorship, noting, “Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. and with the best pickleball athletes in the world coming to North Carolina, we can be a part of it in a big way.” This partnership aligns with Fanatics Sportsbook’s strategic vision of associating its brand with emergent sports trends and engaging with a broad spectrum of sports enthusiasts.
The event, slated to be held at Cary Tennis Park, promises not only to spotlight Fanatics in its burgeoning role as a sportsbook operator but also to offer significant exposure through coverage on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, ESPN2, and Pickleballtv. In an inclusive nod to the sport’s wide appeal, Fanatics will also host a tournament open to amateur pickleball players of all ages and skill levels, further embedding itself in the fabric of the pickleball community.
This sponsorship announcement coincides with Fanatics Sportsbook’s strategic market expansion, particularly following the legalization of online sports betting in North Carolina. The state’s recent move to legalize online betting, with the enactment of House Bill 347 by Gov. Roy Cooper on March 11, saw Fanatics Sportsbook among the first wave of operators to launch services alongside other industry heavyweights.
Securing market access in North Carolina through a partnership with the Carolina Hurricanes, Fanatics Sportsbook navigated the state’s regulatory landscape, which mandates that licensed operators forge alliances with professional sports teams, venues, or leagues. This approach not only exemplifies Fanatics’ agile market entry strategies but also underscores the significance of strategic partnerships in expanding its operational footprint.
Moreover, Fanatics Sportsbook’s ambitious expansion endeavors are evident in its recent online launches in Arizona and Kansas, part of a broader $225 million acquisition of PointsBet’s U.S. operations. As the company progresses with transitioning PointsBet’s operations in Louisiana, Wyoming, and New Jersey, its sponsorship of the PPA Tour North Carolina Cup stands as a testament to Fanatics Sportsbook’s commitment to innovative marketing and engagement strategies, positioning itself as a dynamic player in the competitive sports betting landscape.
