Key Points
Circa Sports, KC Royals partnership becomes official Friday, January 30The Royals had previous sports betting partnership with Underdog
Circa Sports Missouri sports betting app launched December 1
The Kansas City Royals have announced that it has reached an agreement with Las Vegas-based Circa Sports to serve as their official sports betting partner.
The Royals previously had an agreement with Underdog, but the operator ended up
exiting the Missouri sports betting market
prior to the December 1 launch. Circa has one of the two available untethered licenses, giving the brand market access without partnering with a land-based casino or pro sports team. This agreement with the MLB franchise is along the lines of a sports betting marketing deal.
Additionally, there is still an opening for a sportsbook operator to enter the Missouri sports betting market with the Royals license.
The deal between Circa Sports and the MLB club will become official on Friday, January 30, which is Royals Rally Casino Night at Kauffman Stadium. Giveaways will include a two-night midweek stay at the Circa property located in Downtown Las Vegas.
What to expect from Circa Sports, Royals partnership
Because this isn’t a sports betting licensing partnership, Circa will not need to share a portion of its Missouri sports betting revenue with the MLB club. This new deal will include Circa Sports branding integrated into Royals fan experiences at Kauffman Stadium, prominent signage, and special promotions.
Derek Stevens, CEO of Circa Sports, said since launching its Missouri sports betting app in December, “we’ve grown to appreciate the local sports community – and the Kansas City Royals are at the heart of it.”
“This partnership is about creating premium experiences around the game – from the ballpark to the sportsbook – and giving Royals fans access, energy, and a level of engagement that feels authentic to how they follow baseball.”
Missouri sportsbooks connecting with pro sports teams
Circa Sports is the latest operator to reach a sports betting marketing partnership with a Missouri pro sports franchise.
BetMGM announced a partnership with the St. Louis Blues. Similar to the Circa-Royals deal, the multi-year agreement will include prominent BetMGM signage and branding throughout the Enterprise Center.
DraftKings Sportsbook, the operator that holds the other Missouri untethered sports betting license, also partnered with the Blues prior to Missouri sports betting going live.
As far as the Circa-Royals deal goes, Cullen Maxey, Royals President of Baseball Operations, said this partnership with Circa Sports provides fans more ways to connect with the game they love.
“From special events at Kauffman Stadium to unique experiences around the ballpark, we’re excited to work with Circa to bring new ways for fans to connect with the Royals,” Maxey said.