FanDuel and Minute Media have teamed to create a new, fan-powered site dedicated to fantasy and sports betting information. The Duel largely will feature crowd-sourced written content along with more professional video and audio contributions.
Minute Media is a technology-driven media company led by its flagship soccer site, 90Min, along with a U.S. hub, 12Up, and an esports brand, DBLTAP. FanDuel is one of the two leading daily fantasy sports providers. Irish bookmaker Paddy Power Betfair acquired FanDuel back in May, and FanDuel opened its first retail sports book in New Jersey last month near MetLife Stadium.
“FanDuel is founded on the idea of bringing fans closer to the sports they love, and now, together with Minute Media, we’re letting fans into the press box,” said FanDuel Group CEO Matt King in a news release. “We want to give fans a designated platform for all sports and fantasy content, and The Duel is part of our broader efforts to do so.”
FanDuel has been a content creator for years, but The Duel ramps up the capacity to share stories and multimedia, largely by soliciting fan contributions.
“With the recent changes to the US sports betting market, there is no better time to be making this strategic move,” said Minute Media president Rich Routman in the release. “The fantasy and sports betting industries have been on the rise for quite some time, and the opportunity to shake things up by leveraging authentic fan voices, is an opportunity that Minute Media and FanDuel are collectively excited about.”
SportTechie Takeaway
As more states legalize sports betting, a giant new industry will emerge that will demand coverage and insights. Already media companies such as the Action Network and VSiN have entered the market to provide betting and fantasy content. The Duel has the inherent advantage of forming from a union of two established brands, but expect more sites and platforms to emerge.