It’s a good year to be a Bucs fan.
Earlier this week, Monkey Knife Fight (MKF), the third-largest daily fantasy sports (DFS) operator in the country, announced a multiyear deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The partnership will generate multiple branding opportunities for MKF and marks Tampa’s first DFS deal.
Bill Asher, MKF’s CEO and founder, said in a statement that the Bucs are a great brand, primed for an exciting season.
“The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are an outstanding organization, and one that fits well with our brand. Tampa Bay is going to have an explosive year with their new lineup. This upcoming season will definitely be exciting for all Buccaneers fans.”
Where you’re likely to see MKF
Earlier this year, a league committee approved a series of rules that would allow sports betting operators to partner with NFL franchises, resulting in new branding opportunities.
That decision paved the way for companies like MKF to ink deals with teams that were off-limits before this spring.
According to MKF’s company statement, fans are likely to see the DFS operator’s brand in the following scenarios:
- As the presenting sponsor of a weekly Bucs article titled Five Bucs to Watch.
- Sponsor of the team’s “Top Performer in Fantasy” series.
- Sponsor of an “in-app predictive gaming concept.”
- Other DFS contests created specifically for Tampa Bay fans.
MFK nor the Bucs have indicated any future branding initiatives within Raymond James Stadium. However, that doesn’t mean fans won’t see MKF branding in the stadium.
Bucs Chief Operating Officer Brian Ford said the partnership fits with the team’s goal to enhance fans’ game day experience.
“We are always searching for ways to enhance and expand upon the game day experience both at Raymond James Stadium and through the ever-expanding popularity of fantasy sports gaming,” Ford said in the MKF statement. “Monkey Knife Fight is an emerging leader in this new and exciting sports gaming space, and we look forward to beginning this partnership with a memorable 2020 season.”
Tampa Bay deal clinches Florida trio for MKF
In the past month, MKF has signed deals with the Bucs, the Miami Marlins and the Miami Dolphins.
The company’s announcements regarding the Miami teams included branding opportunities similar to what MKF announced for the Bucs.
In addition to being the sponsor for online assets, MKF donated $150,000 to food relief programs: one for the Dolphins and one for the Marlins. The DFS operator also will donate $10,000 to the Miami Marlins Foundation every time the Marlins hit a home run in Marlins Park.
What makes MKF’s Marlins deal unique is that the franchise will install in-stadium Monkey Knife Fight branding. Initial mockups of the branding reveal an orange-and-black tarp over outfield seats featuring the MKF logo and the phrase, “Hit It Here.”
MKF’s three pro sports deals continue the company’s hot streak. In the past year, it’s signed partnerships with the San Diego Padres, PGA golfer Charley Hoffman and the Los Angeles Chargers.
