Just over a year after DraftKings sold Vegas Stats & Information Network (VSiN), the sports betting content network has rolled out a FanDuel-branded partnership across the U.S.
VSiN announced on Thursday that it has entered into a content distribution agreement with FanDuel Sports Network that will deliver betting information to sports fans nationwide.
Starting on Aug. 28, “VSiN By the Books” will simulcast on weekday mornings from 7 to 10 a.m. ET on the FanDuel Sports Network app and across nine of its regional networks. Hosted by broadcaster Dave Ross and former MLB pitcher Jensen Lewis, the show breaks down the biggest stories in sports betting and previews the day’s action, featuring a cast that includes pro gamblers, sportsbook insiders and pro athletes.
VSiN broadcasts from newsroom studios housed in the retail sportsbooks at Las Vegas’ Circa Resort and Casino and Circa Sports at The Mint Gaming Hall Kentucky Downs.
“We’re thrilled to bring VSiN’s unique sports betting content to the passionate fans that watch their favorite local teams play on FanDuel Sports Network,” said VSiN EVP of Talent and Programming Steve Cohen. “This latest expansion of our distribution footprint helps cement VSiN’s position as the leading creator of sports betting content anywhere.”
Rebrands and change-ups
FanDuel Sports Network uses the FanDuel brand via a partnership with the U.S. market-leading sportsbook, but is owned and operated by Main Street Sports Group. That company was previously called Diamond Sports Group until FanDuel struck a deal last October for the exclusive right to name the media company’s regional sports networks (RSNs).
The RSNs were formerly under Bally Sports branding through a 10-year naming rights deal agreed in 2020. With Diamond Sports Group reputedly in debt to the tune of $8.6 billion, and numerous pro sports teams leaving its RSNs, it terminated the Bally deal as part of a restructuring plan and sale to FanDuel.
FanDuel Sports Network is the local media partner and home to select MLB, NHL and NBA teams and produces over 3,000 live sports events each year. As well as its RSN portfolio, it offers a direct-to-consumer product. Now, it has extended its reach with VSiN, which is available on a range of platforms including YouTube TV, SiriusXM, iHeartRadio, more than 350 terrestrial radio stations throughout the U.S. and VSiN.com.
“At FanDuel Sports Network, everything starts with the local sports fan,” said Main Street Sports Group President of Programming and Production Norby Williamson. “Partnering with VSiN allows us to deliver smart, entertaining betting insights tied to the teams and games our audiences care about most.”
DraftKings sold VSiN back to previous owners
VSiN was founded in 2017 by the family of sportscaster Brent Musburger. The founding team and their partners sold the network to FanDuel’s eternal sports betting rival DraftKings in 2021 in a deal worth around $70 million, and VSiN’s leadership stayed on to help run the brand.
DraftKings sold back the company to Musburger Media last summer for what was reported to be pennies on the dollar, suggesting that it needed to prioritize its investments. VSiN’s leaders said at the time of the buyback that their immediate focus wiuld be on expanding partnerships and distribution.
Now, an entity connected to FanDuel is again picking up a ball dropped by another sports betting operator and hoping to run with it.
