SimWin Announces Strategic Partnership with Sports Illustrated

Sports Illustrated becomes SimWin’s official partner, with various branding and integration opportunities across the platform.

David J Ortiz, CEO of SimWin Sports, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with SI as they foray further into the Metaverse Sports space.”

This partnership provides SimWin with an opportunity to improve its broadcasts and presentation while maximising the engagement of SI’s rabid fan base that has been cultivated over generations.

SimWin’s Metaverse concept sees athletes play on the teams of well-known sport and entertainment personalities. Former NBA stars Magic Johnson, Tracy McGrady and former NFL players Jerry Rice and Marshall Faulk are among the individuals who have joined this platform.

The SI trademark has been acquired in 2019 by the American conglomerate Authentic Brands Group, a brand management company for a total of $110 million (PS90.4m/EUR102.3m).

Dan Dienst is executive vice-chairman for tactical opportunities, Authentic. He said: “Sports Illustrated represents the convergence of sport and culture. Our continued expansion into metaverse is a natural next step.

As Authentic builds its media, sports and web3 verticals we are excited to partner with SimWin, as well as proudly owning teams in SimWin’s virtual sports leagues.

888 Partnership

SI has announced that in June 2021 its Sports Illustrated Sportsbook gaming platform will be powered by the London-based gambling business, 888.

The agreement saw Authentic providing the exclusive license to SI’s brand and trademarks, for both online sports betting as well as igaming. It also included some editorial and advertising integrations in certain SI-branded assets.

In April 2022 888 named media veteran Howard Mittman as the leader of the SI Sportsbook. The former Bleacher Report Chief Executive was also appointed president of the US operations.

The sportsbook powered by 888 is now live in Colorado, Michigan and Virginia.