With in-person Louisiana sports betting close to launch, Caesars Sportsbook announced a massive partnership with LSU Athletics.

Caesars Sportsbook and LSU Athletics agreed to a multi-year, seven-figure deal to make the sportsbook the exclusive gaming and sportsbook partner of the university’s athletics. The deal was facilitated by LSU’s third-party, multi-media rights holder PlayFly Sports.

Caesars receives naming rights at Tiger Stadium

Caesars will receive naming rights for the new Caesars Sportsbook Skyline Club at Tiger Stadium, signage throughout the stadium and an exclusive present on the LSU sports mobile app. The sportsbook will also receive signage opportunities at Maravich Center and Alex Box stadium, as well broadcast and digital sponsorship rights. Additionally, Caesars will receive visibility for Caesars Sportsbook throughout all of LSU’s 21 men’s and women’s varsity athletic programs.

“LSU athletics programs have always exemplified excellence, and at Caesars, we couldn’t be happier to partner with such an iconic brand in college athletics,” said Chris Holdren, Co-President of Caesars Digital, in a press release. “We have a proud legacy in Louisiana, and bringing LSU fans closer to the sports they love while also offering scholarship opportunities will help us build upon that.”

Louisiana sports betting may launch in September

Caesars strengthened its market share in Louisiana as the state ramps up to launch its in-person sports betting program. Caesars has one lone casino in Louisiana with Harrah’s New Orleans.

Louisiana’s Gaming Control Board recently approved the state’s final sports betting rules and regulations. Chairman Ronnie Johns confirmed in-person sports betting has no set timetable, but previously told Saturday Down South it could launch sometime in September.

The Caesars Sportsbook and LSU partnership is the largest and most high-profile partnership between a sportsbook operator and college, but it’s not the first. Sportsbooks have partnered with small universities in the past, such as SuperBook announcing a deal with the University of Denver earlier this month.

In addition to the seven-figure payment Caesars Sportsbook will make to LSU, the sportsbook announced it will also create an annual scholarship fund to support LSU students.

“LSU has always taken pride in providing fans with unique, innovative, and world-class experiences, and our new partnership with Caesars Entertainment will do just that,” said LSU Athletics Director Scott Woodward in a press release. “We share a clear vision of how athletics and entertainment can come together to enhance the fan experience and we are excited to join with Caesars to make that vision a reality.”