As women's sports continue to gain attention, the betting operator BetMGM announced a multi-year exclusive partnership with the WNBA Las Vegas Aces, marking BetMGM's first significant collaboration with a professional women's sports team.
The partnership was officially announced on May 28, 2025, with BetMGM becoming the exclusive online casino and sports betting partner of the Aces, effective until the end of the 2027 WNBA season. Concurrently, BetMGM also secured the status of an authorized gaming partner of the WNBA, gaining access to commercial resources during national broadcasts and the rights to use co-branded content across platforms.
This collaboration highlights the growing commercial value of women's sports. In the 2024 season, the WNBA saw a significant increase in viewership, with an average audience of 670,000 on ION Television, a 133% increase from the previous season. The total viewership reached 2,353,735, setting a 22-year high, with an average attendance of 9,807 per game, up 48% year-over-year. A total of 154 games were sold out, a 242% increase from 2023.
The Indiana Fever set a league record with 340,715 home spectators, surpassing the New York team's record from 2001. One game at the Capital One Arena attracted 20,711 spectators, setting a new single-game high. All 12 teams saw double-digit attendance growth, with Indiana (+319%), Los Angeles (+69%), and New York (+64%) showing particularly significant increases. The Commissioner's Cup games averaged 9,377 spectators, up 42% year-over-year.
Adam Greenblatt, CEO of BetMGM, stated, "In today's rapidly evolving world of women's sports, BetMGM could not find a more suitable partner than the WNBA and the Las Vegas Aces."
As part of the partnership, BetMGM plans to launch the first WNBA-branded online slot game, which will be available in the jurisdictions covered by the BetMGM iGaming platform.
Additionally, the two parties will engage in community service activities. Based on the "BetMGM Steals for Meals" program, during the 2025 season, for every "steal" by the Aces, BetMGM will donate $50 to the food security charity "The Just One Project." This program was officially launched on May 27 at the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas, attended by executives from BetMGM, the Aces, MGM Resorts International, and "The Just One Project."
Nikki Fargas, president of the Aces, said, "We are honored to partner with BetMGM and appreciate their support for 'The Just One Project.'"
As audience numbers grow and barriers to entry lower, more brands are increasing their investment in women's sports. In 2024, season tickets for several WNBA teams were sold out, highlighting the commercial potential of women's basketball.
Lance Evans, Senior Vice President of Sports and Sponsorships at MGM Resorts International, stated, "We look forward to collaborating with BetMGM to host more game-day events at Mandalay Bay and other properties, enhancing the fan engagement experience."
This partnership not only showcases the trend of supporting diversity and inclusivity in the sports sponsorship field but also reflects BetMGM's commitment to responsible gaming while expanding into new betting markets. Their GameSense program, developed in collaboration with the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, covers BetMGM's digital platforms and MGM Resorts nationwide.
