DraftKings and Athletes Unlimited launch softball free-to-play pool

DraftKings has partnered with Athletes Unlimited to include a ‘free-to-play pool’ on sportsbook and daily fantasy apps for the tournament organiser’s new women’s professional softball competition.

The deal is expected to enhance the fan experience for the inaugural season with DraftKings offering fans a free-to-play pool challenge in which fans answer eight questions relating to the upcoming weekend of Athletes Unlimited softball games.

“We’re extremely proud to work with an industry leader like DraftKings to bolster our virtual fan experience,” stated Jon Patricof, CEO and Co-Founder of Athletes Unlimited. “We look forward to building our relationship with DraftKings as we continue to engage with our passionate and knowledgeable fans.”

The top 160 entities of each challenge will gain an equal share of a $1,000 prize pool with the top finishers receiving $100. 

Additionally, the questions will be based around the upcoming week of softball games, the scoring system, and predictions of team points as well as the game MVP’s. As a result of the questions the challenge also entices fans to gain a greater knowledge of the sport by looking up the rules of the game and its upcoming fixtures, thus sparking a general interest in the competition. 

Athletes Unlimited softball games consist of double headers on Saturday, Sunday and Monday with the tournament being aired on a combination of the CBS Sports Network, ESPN and the Olympic Channel. Moreover, MSG Networks, NESN and Altitude regional sports networks will also rebroadcast the fixtures.

The competition’s softball league commenced its debut season on August 29, 2020 with its games being held at the Parkway Bank Sports Park Complex in Rosemont, IL under COVID-19 guidelines and regulations.

The partnership continues to see DraftKings develop its brand to integrate itself into the sporting world. Alongside its partnership with Athletes Unlimited, the company has also scored agreements with the NFL’s New York Giants and MLB’s Chicago Cubs this month in-order to strengthen its ever growing portfolio of partners.