MLR Teams Up with Sparket for Social Betting Buzz
Major League Rugby has inked a one-year deal with Sparket, a fan-first online gambling platform, to bring real-money and free-to-play contests to fans.
A Game-Changing Partnership
Major League Rugby (MLR), North America’s top-tier rugby competition, is juicing up fan engagement with a new partnership alongside Sparket, a Los Angeles-based online gambling platform dubbed The Social Betwork™.
Kicking off on May 27, 2025, at 1:30 PM ET, this one-year deal lets fans dive into real-money picks and free-to-play contests via Sparket’s app and website, www.sparket.app.
With MLR’s 11 teams drawing 1.2 million viewers in 2024, the move aims to spark a fresh vibe for the 2025 season. “The growing gaming industry is providing new opportunities for casual consumers and fans to engage with all sports,” said MLR’s chief revenue officer Lucas Reid.
Sparket’s Social Betting Edge
Sparket’s peer-to-peer parimutuel model sets it apart from traditional sportsbooks, letting fans bet against each other rather than a house, with odds shifting based on pool size.
Available in 42 states, Sparket’s skill-based contests cover sports, reality TV, and pop culture, earning it Startup of the Year at the 2025 Starties Awards. “Sparket’s skill-based contests are a fan engagement and growth tool for sports leagues,” said COO Evan Fisher, highlighting MLR’s alignment with their “fun, social, and dynamic” platform. Fans can join customized MLR pools, climb leaderboards, snag rewards, and share results on social media.
Starting May 27, MLR fans can enter weekly Sparket contests for $10, receiving 1,000 Sparks to make predictions and compete for cash prizes.
Contests will run through the 2025 season, amplifying the thrill of matches across teams like the New England Free Jacks and Seattle Seawolves, televised on ESPN networks. The social angle lets fans flex their rugby knowledge, from try-scorer picks to match outcomes, in a low-stakes, high-energy environment.
Boosting MLR’s Momentum
MLR’s betting big on innovation to grow its fanbase, especially with rugby’s rising U.S. profile ahead of the 2031 Rugby World Cup.
“Major League Rugby continues to lead the way in fan engagement by embracing innovation,” said Stephen Crystal of SCCG Management, praising the “truly unique” collaboration.
Sparket’s prior deals with Station Casinos and the World Jai Alai League show its knack for boosting niche sports.
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