The Detroit Lions’ newest TV network sponsor is a player in the Michigan sports betting market, as the NFL squad has inked a deal with Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort of Mt. Pleasant.
The deal, which was announced via a team press release last week, allows the enterprise of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe to gain a presenting sponsorship on the Lions’ TV specials, including “Inside the Den” and “Inside the Pride.”
As a part of the new partnership, the casino will sponsor the Lions’ “Spin It to Win It” and “Roar-aoke” contests during games, with winners receiving perks such as free nights at the casino, free play, concert tickets and resort credits.
In June, Soaring Eagle and gaming provider Evolution reached an agreement, allowing the casino to get Michigan online casinos content from Evolution, NetEnt and Red Tiger brands.
In April, Soaring Eagles Casino launched Eagle Casino and Sports, its Michigan mobile betting apps platform.
A Golden Michigan Gaming Opportunity
For Carl Moll, who serves as the Lions’ director of broadcasting, the presenting sponsorship between the club and Soaring Eagle was too good of an opportunity to pass up.
"It's exciting to not only debut the Lions TV Network in its latest iteration, but to kick it off with such an engaging and fan-focused partner as Soaring Eagle," Moll said in the press release. "We are looking forward to continuing to evolve our television content this season and beyond."
Moll’s comments were echoed by Melinda Coffin, who serves as the CEO of Soaring Eagle Gaming.
"Soaring Eagle Gaming is honored to join forces with the Detroit Lions in a multiyear partnership that will bring excitement to Lions fans," Coffin said in the press release. "Soaring Eagle Gaming is eager to bring excitement to fans with our support of Power Hour, our Fan Cave experience and gaming related offers from all of our properties."
Where the Lions Stand Entering 2022 Season
As for the Lions’ standing for the 2022 NFL season, the immediate future appears rather grim for fans of the blue and silver.
BetMGM Sportsbook Michigan lists the Lions at +12500 to win the Super Bowl (ranking in a tie for 29th), with +850 odds of capturing the franchise’s first divisional crown since they played in the old NFC Central in 1993.
One positive for Lions fans is rookie defensive end Aidan Hutchinson leads all players in BetMGM’s AP Defensive Rookie of the Year odds table at +500.
Overall, Hutchinson ranks ahead of Kayvon Thibodeaux (+550), Travon Walker (+650), Quay Walker (+900), Jermaine Johnson (+900), and Derek Stingley Jr. (+1000).
Lions fans, and the rest of the country, will get the chance to see a lot of Hutchinson as Detroit is featured on this year's addition of 'Hard Knocks' on HBO.
Detroit opens its preseason schedule at home on Aug. 12 at 6 p.m. against Atlanta. FanDuel Sportsbook MI has the Lions +1.5 with an over/under of 33 total points.
