Phoenix Rising FC, a second-level pro soccer team, is angling to become the first non-major league sports entity in the U.S. to offer three remaining event wagering slots.
During the meeting, ADOG chief Jackie Johnson laid out a timeline for the new licensees, that would go live by the first quarter of 2024, if not earlier. The application window is open from Aug. 1 to Aug. 15.
From there, the regulator will take two weeks to decide which applicants meet the qualifications. If there are more than three applicants, the ADOG will have until Sept. 12 to determine which three to award licenses to. Once that decision is made, the franchises and their operator partners will have 180 days to launch.
In Arizona, sports franchises that compete at the highest level available in the state are eligible to apply for licenses. Because there are no Major League Soccer teams in Arizona, USL is the highest level of pro soccer available. For comparison, if the rules were the same in Major League Baseball in North Carolina.
Why licenses are available 2c402
In April 2021, were not enough for the state’s more than 15 tribes and too many for the professional sports teams.
At the outset, all 10 tribal licenses were allocated, while only eight pro-team licenses were. Since 2021, one tribal license became available after Fubo Sportsbook folded and the Ak-Chin Indian Community forfeited its license. The tribe already has a partnership with Caesars, which operates a retail Harrah’s casino on the reservation.
Among the pro sports franchise licensees are an arena league football team, the first of its kind in the U.S., as well as a license for the WNBA Phoenix Mercury, one of the first two of its kind. Phoenix Rising and FC Tucson, also in the USL, are potential candidates for the final two pro franchise licenses.
Representatives from Phoenix Rising were on Monday’s call, and though they did not reveal a potential partner, founding co-owner Tim Riester asked if a previous application fee could be applied to the current application. (Phoenix Rising was denied a license in 2021.) The answer was that application fees are non-refundable and a new $100,000 fee would be required.
"Arizona to award new sports betting licenses. One team is 'absolutely' applying." (via @CorinaVanek) https://t.co/HwFNNPg96i
— Dan Nowicki (@dannowicki) July 12, 2023
Will Fanatics try for Arizona? 5k435f
In of other fees, they remain the same as in 2021 — $750,000 for an event wagering operator (the team or tribe) with a $150,000 annual renewal, and $750,000 for a “designee” (sportsbook) with a $150,000 annual renewal. Application fees will be credited toward the initial fee in either case.
The three new licenses could open a pathway for Castle Creek was initially awarded a license in 2021, but it was rescinded days later.
The ADOG said at the time the initial issuance was an “istrative error.” Should Castle Creek reapply and get licensed this time, Fanatics could gain entry through the new deal, or it could partner with another applicant.
Representatives from multiple potential licensees were on Monday’s call, including those from WynnBET — are all live with retail and digital wagering.
