DraftKings gains $300m financing

y fantasy sports (DFS) operator DraftKings has secured $300m in Series D financing.

The funding round was led by broadcaster FOX Sports, while other investors participating included sports leagues Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League and Major League Soccer, as well as sports, media and entertainment company the Madison Square Garden Company.

DraftKings said the additional funding will in part be used to launch its product internationally.

Jason Robins, DraftKings CEO, said: "To receive this type of support from such an outstanding group of organisations, including three major sports leagues, is an incredible milestone for us and reaffirms our leadership position in daily fantasy sports.”

DraftKings announced in June it had reached an exclusive agreement with broadcaster ESPN to make DraftKings the official DFS offering across ESPN’s fantasy sports platforms.

DFS operator FanDuel announced it had closed $275m in Series E financing earlier this month, led by investment firm KKR, equity fund Google Capital, Time Warner Investments Group and sports programming operator Turner Sports.

Internet corporation Yahoo extended its fantasy sports offering earlier this month by launching its DFS product Yahoo Sports Daily Fantasy, while provider Amaya Gaming has announced that it plans to launch a DFS product before the start of the regular National Football League season in September.