DraftKings, FanDuel confirm plans to merge in 2017

Daily fantasy sports operators DraftKings and FanDuel have finally confirmed plans to merge their businesses, although details on how this “strategic marriage of equals” will play out remain thin.

On Friday, the two DFS sites confirmed they would join forces sometime in the latter half of 2017. Financial details weren’t disclosed, but the companies expect to realize “operational efficiencies and cost savings” that will “help the combined company accelerate its path to profitability.”

These ‘efficiencies’ will include a likely significant cull of both companies’ payrolls. The companies will also be able to combine their marketing spending as well as their lobbying activities targeting DFS-phobic states. (DraftKings currently doesn’t serve 10 US states, while FanDuel is absent from those same states as well as Texas.)

Confirming rumors that circulated last month, DraftKings CEO Jason Robins will act as CEO of the merged company, while FanDuel CEO Nigel Eccles will serve as chairman. Each company will contribute three board directors to sit alongside one unidentified independent director.