Casino and sportsbook operator MGM Resorts will become the first ‘Official Sports Betting Sponsor’ and investor in a new American Football league, ‘The Alliance of American Football’.
Under a three-year deal, MGM’s interactive sports betting platform will provide Alliance fans with in-game and traditional sports betting in states where sports gambling is legal.
The Alliance – founded by television and film producer Charlie Ebersol, and NFL broadcast analyst Bill Polian – is building a bespoke media and technology platform as part of the league’s launch in February 2019. Fans will be able to stream Alliance matchups for free through its first-of-its-kind app, while accessing integrated gaming opportunities.
MGM’s investment is a bet that the combination of live sports, real-time second-generation stats and fan engagement will expand its customer base.
The Alliance will feature eight teams with 50-player rosters playing a 10-week regular season schedule, followed by two playoff rounds and culminating with the championship game the weekend of April 26-28, 2019.
The eight teams are Alliance Orlando, Alliance Atlanta, Alliance Memphis, Alliance Salt Lake, Alliance Phoenix, Alliance San Diego, Alliance Birmingham, and Alliance San Antonio.