Suns, FanDuel partner as state legalizes betting

The Phoenix Suns and FanDuel announced a multi-year partnership Thursday after Gov. Doug Ducey signed legislation legalizing fantasy sports and sports wagering in Arizona, a deal that will bring a sportsbook to Phoenix Suns Arena.

FanDuel will become the official sportsbook and daily fantasy sports partner for the Suns. The retail sportsbook in the arena is expected to be ready for the 2021-22 NBA season.

“This is a watershed moment for the Suns organization and our fans,” said Suns president & CEO Jason Rowley in a news release. “FanDuel is the perfect partner as our missions are fully aligned. Simply put, FanDuel is committed to making sports more exciting while the Suns are focused on delivering exciting sports and entertainment and engaging fans at the highest level possible.”

FanDuel is the leading online sports gaming company in the U.S. and the authorized gaming operator and official daily fantasy partner of the NBA.

FanDuel will officially bring daily fantasy sports product to Arizona later this year.

“As we gear up to bring our best-inclass online and retail offerings to the state of Arizona, this is a momentous time for FanDuel, the Suns, and Suns fans alike,” said Mike Raffensperger, FanDuel Group CMO, in the news release. “We’re excited to open a luxury sportsbook within Phoenix Suns Arena, as the beginning of a long-term and innovative collaboration that will have a lasting impact on the state.”

The arena’s FanDuel sportsbook is projected to be at least 6,300 square feet and have “spacious” lounge seating where fans can watch Suns games and other games while placing wagers. It will be open daily to place wagers on events throughout the year.

Bets also can be placed on mobile devices while in the arena, which now has Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband network “for seamless mobile transactions through the official FanDuel Sportsbook App.”