The MLS has the youngest average age for its fanbase of any major professional sports league in the U.S. This week they sought to strengthen their hold on the youth demographic by signing a multiyear deal with DraftKings to be the exclusive daily fantasy provider for the league. DraftKings is a leading provider of daily fantasy sports in the world. According to the Sports Business Journal, "DraftKings will offer exclusive MLS fantasy games and experiences and gets exposure in stadium and on digital platforms. DraftKings, which will develop new games in conjunction with MLS, also will partner with a number of league clubs, with those details to be released at a later date (MLS)."

The increasingly popular daily fantasy sports space is a proven fan development tool that we’re excited about,” said Gary Stevenson, President and Managing Director of MLS Business Ventures in a statement. “You’ll see deep integration within our many digital platforms and you’ll see a number of club deals. We are delighted to partner with DraftKings to give our passionate fans another innovative way to experience the sport that they love.”

“Soccer is an incredibly exciting sport that is underrepresented in daily fantasy and we’re going to change that in a big way,” said Jason Robins, CEO of DraftKings.  “We are truly looking forward to collaborating with MLS on unique contests and exclusive one-of-a-kind experiences that will thrill their passionate fan base and thoroughly engage the DraftKings community.”

References

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/07/24/major-league-soccer-draftkings-announce-new-partnership-daily-fantasy-sports