Betting operator BetMGM has signed a multi-year deal with the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces, marking its first major partnership with a women’s professional team, as interest in women’s sports continues to rise.
BetMGM has announced a multi-year partnership with the Las Vegas Aces, marking the sports betting operator’s first major agreement with a professional women’s team.
The deal, revealed on May 28, positions BetMGM as the exclusive online casino and sportsbook partner of the Aces and extends through the 2027 WNBA season.
As part of the agreement, BetMGM will also serve as an authorised gaming partner of the WNBA, gaining access to commercial inventory during nationally televised games and co-branded content across platforms.
The partnership highlights the increasing commercial potential of women’s sports. Viewership of WNBA games increased significantly in 2024, with ION’s network averaging 670,000 viewers, a 133% rise from the previous season.
The WNBA also recorded its highest total attendance in 22 years during the 2024 season, with 2,353,735 fans, up 48% from the previous year. The league averaged 9,807 fans per game, also a 48% increase. There were 154 sellout games, a 242% rise from 2023.
Indiana Fever led the surge with a league-record home attendance of 340,715, surpassing the previous record set by New York in 2001. Three games attracted crowds of over 20,000, including a record-setting 20,711 fans for Indiana vs. Washington on September 19, at Capital One Arena.
All 12 teams experienced double-digit growth in attendance, with the largest increases seen in Indiana (+319%), Los Angeles (+69%) and New York (+64%). The Commissioner’s Cup games averaged 9,377 fans, up 42% from the prior season.
“As we enter this era of tremendous growth in women’s sports, BetMGM could not have two better organisations to partner with than the WNBA and the Aces,” said Adam Greenblatt, Chief Executive Officer at BetMGM.
The company plans to release a WNBA-branded online slot game, which will be the first of its kind. It will be available in jurisdictions where the BetMGM iGaming platform is live.
Community initiatives and fan engagement
The partnership also includes a community-focused initiative. Under the “BetMGM Steals for Meals” programme, BetMGM will donate $50 to The Just One Project, a food security nonprofit, for every home-game steal made by the Aces during the 2025 season.
Executives from BetMGM, the Aces, MGM Resorts International and The Just One Project launched the initiative on May 27 at The Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas.
“The Las Vegas Aces are proud to partner with BetMGM, especially for the support they will provide to The Just One Project,” said Nikki Fargas, President of the Aces.
Sponsorship value in women’s sport on the rise
Brands are increasingly investing in women’s leagues due to expanding audiences and lower entry costs. Viewership for the WNBA has reached record levels, and teams such as the Aces have sold out full-season tickets since 2024.
“Together with BetMGM, we look forward to hosting gameday events at Mandalay Bay and other properties, allowing local and visiting fans to interact with their favourite basketball teams,” said Lance Evans, SVP of Sports and Sponsorships at MGM Resorts International.
The partnership reflects a broader trend in sport sponsorships, with brands aligning with women’s teams to support diversity and inclusion goals.
As BetMGM expands into new betting markets, the company says it remains focused on responsible gambling. Its GameSense programme, developed in partnership with the British Columbia Lottery Corporation, is available through its digital platforms and at MGM Resorts properties nationwide.
