The NFL has expanded its sports betting business ahead of the 2026 season, reaching multi-year commercial agreements with DraftKings, FanDuel and Fanatics Betting and Gaming.
Adam Schefter shared the news on X, writing, “NFL said it has reached commercial agreements with three sports betting operators ahead of the 2026 season.” The agreements allow the three companies to use NFL marks across sports betting promotions, while gaining exposure at major league events.
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The deals also include access to real-time official statistics, Next Gen Stats and BetVision through Genius Sports. The NFL said all three operators must follow its game integrity policies and support responsible gambling initiatives.
However, the announcement quickly drew mixed reactions online. Writer Zito criticized the league’s direction, saying, “Incredible watching sports leagues embrace their own death.”
NIL consultant Andrew Brandt highlighted how dramatically the NFL’s approach has changed. “I remember when the league wouldn’t allow Tony Romo and others to appear at a Fantasy Football Convention,” Brandt wrote.
Former NFL offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz focused on his personal betting experience. “Maybe Fanatics will let me wager more than 10 dollars on a NFL wager this season with this agreement,” Schwartz wrote.
Former NFL player Jerry Azumah reacted, saying, “I remember the commissioner opposing legalized sports betting due to the risk of game integrity just a short time ago.”
Colts’ writer Mike Chappell wrote, “I’m old enough to remember when Tony Romo wasn’t allowed to hold a fantasy football event in Vegas. Now, NFL and gambling are close friends. 🤝”
NFL betting expansion comes with integrity rules
The league insists that game integrity remains central to its betting strategy. The NFL said the companies will collaborate on intelligence sharing and help prevent wagers involving officiating, injuries and easily manipulated events.
NFL executive Renie Anderson called the companies “three world-class partners” while stressing their shared commitment to protecting the game’s integrity.
DraftKings and FanDuel have worked with the NFL since 2021, while Fanatics is expanding an existing relationship with the league. Fanatics will now add sports betting to its broader NFL partnership, which already includes merchandise and collectibles.
From a football business perspective, the agreements give the NFL another major revenue channel while keeping betting activity within a regulated framework. The challenge remains maintaining trust as betting becomes increasingly connected to broadcasts, statistics and fan engagement.
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The league also requires players, coaches, officials and staff to complete annual gambling-policy training. It will continue its responsible betting campaign during the 2026 season.
The partnerships mark another major step in the NFL’s betting strategy, but the online reaction shows not everyone welcomes the direction.
