The NFL legend Drew Brees has joined PointsBet as a global brand ambassador in a deal that will see him receive an equity stake in the sportsbook operator.
This marks the Australian sportsbook operator’s latest effort to expand its presence in the US gambling space.
Drew Brees joins PointsBet
As a global brand ambassador, Brees will feature in PointsBet’s original content, lead promotional concepts and take part in sports education commentary.
Bress, who was the Super Bowl XLIV MVP while playing for the New Orleans Saints, is also transitioning to a broadcasting role within NBC Sports, PointsBet’s official sports betting partner.
In addition to joining the sportsbook brand, Brees will be awarded 202,940 fully paid ordinary shares in PointsBet Holdings. These shares will remain in a holding lock and will be released in equal portions at 12, 24 and 36 months from the date of issue.
Johnny Aitken, PointsBet USA CEO said: “Today is a massive day for our company as we welcome Drew Brees into the PointsBet family.
“Drew is renowned for his tireless work ethic and achieved great success in his career regardless of the obstacles in front of him, possessing the scrappy, well-prepared challenger, win-at-all-costs mentality that embodies PointsBet’s DNA. We look forward to collaborating for years to come and integrating Drew across our portfolio to complement PointsBet’s market-leading technology infrastructure and strategic approach to the competitive sports betting space.”
Speaking on his new role, Brees said: “I am excited to team up with PointsBet, a leader in the future of sports entertainment built off elite technology.
“Sports betting is growing across the country and will positively impact sports engagement, and I am proud to be at the forefront alongside PointsBet and NBC Sports.”
PointsBet in the US
The Australian sportsbook operator PointsBet first entered the US market in 2019 after launching its online sportsbook in the state of New Jersey via a partnership with Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford.
Since then, the operator has gone on to launch its online sportsbook in Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Colorado and Indiana.
In May, the operator announced plans to acquire the pari-mutuel advance deposit wagering (ADW) operator Premier Turf Club for $2.9m.
Licensed and regulated by the Oregon Racing Commission, Premier Turf CLub has been active for more than 13 years and operates via its BetPTC.com site.
In its announcement, PointsBet said that the ADW operator’s industry expertise, relationships, customer-focused operations and reputation in the US will be of immediate value to the online gambling operator as it plans to expand its US presence.
Prior to this, in April, the operator completed its acquisition of sportsbook solutions provider Banach Technology.
The Australian sportsbook operator said the acquisition will help strengthen its position in the in-play sports betting market in the US as well as accelerate its technology roadmap.