FanDuel and Minute Media to launch fan-powered sports site

FanDuel has moved to capitalise on its early momentum in the US sports betting market by teaming up with Minute Media to launch a new fan-driven website dedicated to sports wagering and daily fantasy sports (DFS) information.

‘The Duel’ will feature a wide range of crowd-sourced articles, as well as various video and audio content, designed to educate visitors about the markets.

Paddy Power Betfair-owned FanDuel has experienced a successful start to post-PASPA life in the US, with its sportsbook having claimed top spot during the first month of regulated sports betting in New Jersey.

FanDuel launched its brick-and-mortar sportsbook at the state’s Meadowlands Racetrack on July 14, taking in $1.36m (£1.04m/€1.16m) in just over two weeks.

The firm will now work with technology-driven media company Minute Media to build on this success and expand its presence in the US market. Minute Media is the company behind football-focused website 90Min, as well as esports brand ‘DBLTAP’.

Matt King (pictured), chief executive of FanDuel, said: “FanDuel is founded on the idea of bringing fans closer to the sports they love, and now, together with Minute Media, we’re letting fans into the press box.

“We want to give fans a designated platform for all sports and fantasy content, and The Duel is part of our broader efforts to do so.”

Minute Media president Rich Routman added: “With the recent changes to the US sports betting market, there is no better time to be making this strategic move.

“The fantasy and sports betting industries have been on the rise for quite some time, and the opportunity to shake things up by leveraging authentic fan voices is an opportunity that Minute Media and FanDuel are collectively excited about.”

Confirmation of the new site comes after it was revealed last week that FanDuel is to face new competition in the US DFS market in the form of new brand Daily Number, a company co-founded by NFL American football star Richard Sherman and entrepreneur Tom McAuley.

FanDuel is also currently at the centre of a legal battle with four of its founders over allegations that the company was undervalued when it was acquired by Paddy Power Betfair in May.