DFS gaming platform Monkey Knife Fight (MKF) and sports firm OneTeam Partners (OneTeam), have formed a collaboration with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).
In addition to becoming a strategic owner in a major fantasy sports company, the NFLPA and OneTeam will have an unprecedented relationship with Monkey Knife Fight. The multi-year deal includes a long-term licensing agreement, joint marketing commitment and significant player involvement in a broad assortment of MKF’s activities. Monkey Knife Fight is the official licensee of the NFLPA in daily fantasy sports.
DeMaurice Smith, NFLPA Executive Director and Board Member, OneTeam Partners, noted: “With this deal we have taken another large step to solidifying the role of players being collectively involved in businesses that partner with their sport.
“Monkey Knife Fight is an innovative daily fantasy provider that already has partnerships with some NFL teams and we are thrilled with the opportunity to build onto that platform for fans across sports.”
Bill Asher, Founder and CEO of Monkey Knife Fight, commented: “Monkey Knife Fight has always distinguished itself from other gaming platforms by letting fans play contests that are focused on their favorite athletes.
“Our relationship with the NFLPA will allow us to connect fans to players on a whole new level. We are looking forward to this landmark partnership.”
“This is the perfect timing for this partnership. Professional athletes have historically been underleveraged by DFS companies despite athletes being the predicate for these games’ existence. In Monkey Knife Fight, we’ve found a partner that is unique in what it offers to fans and also understands the immense influence and value that athletes can deliver, especially as a challenger brand competing with industry incumbents,” said Ahmad Nassar, CEO of OneTeam Partners.
All-Pro quarterback Deshaun Watson added: “We grew up with fantasy sports, and the players have been looking for an opportunity like this. Daily fantasy sports, in particular, is a booming new business, and we’re excited to lock arms with one of the fastest growing fantasy sports companies in the country right now.”
