BetMGM has partnered with its first active player from a major North American sports league, the sportsbook announced on Friday.
Connor McDavid, the captain of the Edmonton Oilers and reigning MVP, becomes the first active player from the NFL, NBA, MLB or NHL to sign with the sportsbook.
"I am very excited to partner with BetMGM as they continue to shape the future of sports betting," McDavid said in a statement. "It's also a real honour to be on the same BetMGM team with star athletes like Wayne Gretzky and Kevin Garnett, both of whom I admire very much."
The four-time NHL First Team All-Star will appear in commercials and social media content for BetMGM.
Fellow No. 1 overall pick Auston Matthews signed a similar endorsement deal in February with Canadian sportsbook Bet99.
It was the first time an active NHL player signed a partnership with a sports gambling company.
McDavid has a league-leading 79 points as of Friday afternoon, which includes 29 goals and 50 assists. He has led the NHL in points in three previous seasons, two of which resulted in MVP trophies.
"The accomplishments that Connor has already earned on the ice are [sic] astonishing, and we are excited to welcome him to the BetMGM family," said Matt Prevost, BetMGM's chief revenue officer." We look forward to working together to engage BetMGM players across North America."
