Friday, June 6, 2025 | 4:20 p.m.
The announcement last week was made in true Las Vegas fashion—boldly and loudly in the heart of the Strip. It was a spectacle fitting for a city known for its glitz and glamour, and it set the stage for an exciting new chapter in professional sports.
Representatives from the Aces, MGM Resorts, and a local charity joined forces to unveil an initiative that is gaining traction in the sports world: sports betting sponsorships. With a dramatic flourish, they pressed a big red button, triggering the iconic Bellagio fountains to erupt in a stunning display, symbolizing the partnership. This marked the beginning of a three-year sponsorship agreement between the WNBA team and BetMGM Sportsbook, coinciding with a similar announcement from the league itself.
This partnership is not an isolated event; it is part of a broader trend of professional sports leagues, including the WNBA, embracing the sports betting industry. The WNBA has previously inked deals with DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel, while individual teams have established agreements with betting companies like Indiana (FanDuel), Phoenix (Bally’s Corporation), and Washington (ESPN Bet) in recent years.
Hall of Fame broadcaster Debbie Antonelli echoed the sentiments of many in the industry when she declared, “I think it’s long overdue.” With an influx of younger fans—particularly males aged 18 to 36—participating in sports betting, Antonelli believes that these partnerships can draw attention to the game and enhance its profile. “I think anything that puts attention on our game in that way is good for our game,” she adds, highlighting the potential for growth in both audience engagement and viewership.
The WNBA, often seen as a benchmark for women’s sports, is not alone in its pursuit of partnerships with betting companies. The National Women’s Soccer League and the newly formed Professional Women’s Hockey League are making similar strides. Last September, the Washington Spirit signed a deal with Fanatics Sportsbook, and in December, the Professional Women’s Hockey League secured a partnership with FanDuel, demonstrating a growing acceptance of sports betting in women’s sports.
Molly Wurdack-Folt, the BetMGM Sportsbook team and league partnerships director, noted the momentum in women’s sports. “We’re seeing growth across all of women’s sports. We’re seeing viewership increase. We’re seeing attendance increase.” She emphasized that the WNBA is at the forefront of this movement, with BetMGM reporting a staggering 130% increase in bets placed on the league in the previous year, positioning it as a trailblazer in the realm of sports betting.
The rise of star players like Caitlin Clark has further amplified the league’s visibility. Recognized as last season’s Rookie of the Year, Clark has brought an influx of attention and enthusiasm, a phenomenon that Antonelli terms “Clarkanomics.” This newfound recognition transcends traditional metrics such as TV ratings and attendance, integrating the excitement of betting into the equation.
While sports betting has typically been dominated by a male audience, women are making significant inroads into this rapidly growing sector. The increasing participation of female bettors is one reason behind BetMGM’s robust engagement strategy within the WNBA. They are broadening their betting options and introducing futures odds on events like the Commissioner’s Cup, further solidifying their dedication to this partnership. For instance, the defending league champion New York is favored at +130 to win the mid-season tournament.
However, BetMGM’s contributions are just the tip of the iceberg. The WNBA reports that regular-season betting on its games has more than doubled at platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel. Additionally, Hall of Fame player Lisa Leslie has come aboard with DraftKings, while FanDuel has expanded its WNBA betting menu significantly. These developments signal a burgeoning ecosystem around women’s sports betting.
“I’ve said for decades, the product is the narrative,” Antonelli observes, reiterating that the quality of the game has always been at the forefront. Now, with more fans and bettors paying attention, the trajectory of the league is set to change dramatically.
The announcement at the Bellagio represented more than just a sponsorship deal; it was a nostalgic return to the roots of the Aces in Las Vegas. MGM Resorts International initially acquired the then-San Antonio Stars in 2017, relocating and rebranding the franchise to immerse it in the vibrant culture of Las Vegas. Having sold the team to Raiders owner Mark Davis in 2021, it’s fitting that MGM returned to partner with the Aces.
Aces President Nikki Fargas articulated the significance of this partnership, stating, “It almost gives you a different level of credibility.” She emphasized the importance of being trendsetters and advocates for elevating the league’s status, reinforcing the idea that this partnership is not just a business agreement but a cultural milestone for women’s professional sports.