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The XFL launches this Saturday, February 8th, and on Wednesday, the league announced that DraftKings will serve as an official DFS partner and an authorized gaming operator of the league.
DraftKings has launched Classic DFS contests for the new league. Like NFL Classic contests, owners get a $50,000 salary cap. The roster must include one quarterback, one running back, two wide receivers, two flex positions, and a defense/special teams unit. Entering Week 1, Los Angeles Wildcats quarterback Josh Johnson is the highest priced player (worth noting he is injured at the moment and not practicing), followed by DC Defenders wide receiver Rashad Ross and QB Cardale Jones.
DraftKings Sportsbook has posted some early odds heading into Week 1. You can bet on championship futures, where the Dallas Renegades currently lead at +350. Additionally, you can bet on game lines, where the Tampa Bay Vipers are the only road team laying points.
Here is the complete press release from DraftKings and the XFL describing the partnership.
Today, DraftKings Inc. and the XFL announced a new partnership that makes DraftKings an Official Daily Fantasy Sports Partner and an Authorized Gaming Operator of the league. Over the course of a cumulative 12-week season including the XFL’s regular season and postseason, DraftKings players will have a unique and exciting way to engage with the new professional football league’s fast-paced and up-tempo style of play.
Starting with the kickoff to the XFL 2020 season on February 8th, DraftKings customers in permitted states will be able to place a variety of bets and draft daily fantasy lineups on the eight-team XFL using the industry-leading DraftKings platforms.
“The XFL is an innovative, fan-first league and DraftKings shares a mutual commitment to delivering a top-notch gaming experience to sports fans across the board,” said Ezra Kucharz, chief business officer at DraftKings. “We are confident that through this collaborative partnership, our highly engaged customer base will enjoy betting on the XFL and playing in XFL Daily Fantasy Sports contests. We look forward to the start of the season this Saturday.”
With all games airing nationally on ABC, ESPN, and FOX Sports, the XFL 2020 season will feature two four-team divisions and eight highly-anticipated rosters of players and coaches including former Carolina Panthers running back Cameron Artis-Payne, former Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook, as well as former Oklahoma Sooners legendary head coach Bob Stoops. The season will conclude with a championship game on April 26.
“We want what our fans want, and millions of football fans have made fantasy and legal wagering an essential part of their football experience,” said Jeffrey Pollack, President and COO of the XFL. “DraftKings is a leader in this space and shares our commitment to giving fans more ways to connect to the game we all love. This partnership is another great way to broaden our reach and introduce our new league.”
As an Official Daily Fantasy Sports Partner and Authorized Gaming Operator of the XFL, DraftKings will have the ability to integrate XFL marks, logos, and player imagery into its gaming platforms and marketing promotions, contributing to an authentic look and feel that DraftKings users have come to expect and appreciate.
All DraftKings Sportsbook and Daily Fantasy offerings in permitted states, including the XFL, are available for mobile download on both iOS and Android.
For more information about the XFL, visit XFL.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
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