PointsBet scores sports betting partnership with Detroit Pistons; adds retired NBA star Rip Hamilton as brand ambassador

Global sportsbook operator PointsBet has partnered with the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Detroit Pistons, becoming the Michigan team’s designated sports betting partner.

Under the terms of the deal, the Colorado-based sportsbook gains full usage of the Pistons IP, logos, and marks, along with limited in-game, broadcast-visible digital signage opportunities. Furthermore, PointsBet’s branding will display across Pistons.com, along with the team’s mobile app, while its promotions will be regularly featured on Detroit Pistons‘ social channels during the NBA’s upcoming season.

NBA star power:

The announcement included the addition of three-time NBA All-Star Richard “Rip” Hamilton (pictured, right) to the PointsBet team. The Pennsylvania native played 14 seasons in the league, nine of which were with the Detroit Pistons.

Hamilton, who helped lead the team to six consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearances, back-to-back NBA Finals appearances, the Pistons’ best record in franchise history (2005–06 season), and the 2004 NBA championship, will serve as brand ambassador to the operator’s Detroit and Michigan-based sports betting products as it prepares for the Midwestern state’s online sports betting and online gaming launch in mid-January.

Michigan sportsbetting:

Chief Executive Officer for PointsBet USA, Johnny Aitken, stated in the company’s press release…

“PointsBet is thrilled to partner with the Pistons, aligning with a first-class organization supported by particularly passionate fans.

“We’re proud to increase our investment in the Detroit and greater Michigan sports community after joining forces with the Detroit Tigers last July. Michigan is a fantastic sports state, and we look forward to the opportunity to soon serve Michigan sports bettors on a personalized platform with unrivaled speed and ease of use, now alongside both the Pistons and brand ambassador Rip Hamilton – a storied champion at both the collegiate and professional levels who’s work ethic and spirited style embodies the PointsBet philosophy.”

The online sportsbook operator will reportedly leverage Hamilton’s knowledge of basketball, with a special focus on the sports atmosphere in the city of Detroit, in order to “align his unique insight” with PointsBet‘s premier offerings. The addition of Hamilton will complement the company’s aim to provide its clients with the “highest quality” and “most comprehensive” sports betting experience.

Hamilton said…

“My love for Michigan and the city of Detroit is no secret. I’m incredibly excited to join the PointsBet team and help usher in the fastest, most premium sports betting experience to the best fans in sports.

Detroit sports fans will love what PointsBet has to offer, such as an app that is specifically tailored for the teams they support, as well as the most betting options in the world, including up to 1,000 markets per NBA game. Unique product features like their Name A Bet and PointsBetting platforms are an added plus, and the PointsBet app is incredibly fast and very easy to use. What’s not to love? Get ready, Michigan – ‘Yessir’!”

Online market:

Soon after the market opens in Michigan, sports bettors in the state will reportedly have access to PointsBet’s top sports wagering app.

Meanwhile, sports fans can currently take part in the company’s PointsBet Pick 6 free-to-play challenge. The contest-style game gives sports fans across the U.S. the chance to win $25,000 every week!

In February 2020, PointsBet scored a multi-year partnership with the NBA, making the top-tier global sportsbook operator an authorized sports betting operator of the NBA.  The deal marked the company’s first with a professional sports league in the U.S.