The Volume Drops DraftKings, Signs Exclusive Deal with Hard Rock Bet

Competition among US gambling sites is intensifying, and sports media partnerships are becoming one of the key battlegrounds. Colin Cowherd’s sports media network, The Volume, has announced a new multimillion-dollar collaboration with Hard Rock Bet, officially naming the operator as its exclusive sportsbook partner. The deal replaces The Volume’s previous agreement with DraftKings and positions Hard Rock Bet as the presenting sponsor across the network’s entire portfolio of podcasts, video programs, and social media channels.

DraftKings Replaced After One-Year Run

The Volume first aligned with DraftKings in September 2023. That deal placed the DraftKings brand prominently within some of the network’s most popular shows, including The Colin Cowherd Podcast and What’s Wright? With Nick Wright.

Two years later, The Volume has opted to shift its strategy, ending its arrangement with DraftKings in favor of a more expansive collaboration with Hard Rock Bet. Industry analysts note that the move reflects a broader trend in sports media, where operators are prioritizing integrated partnerships that extend beyond simple logo placements or traditional ad slots.

Hard Rock Bet Takes Over as Presenting Sponsor

Under the new agreement, Hard Rock Bet will serve as The Volume’s official presenting sponsor, giving the brand visibility across every piece of content the network produces. That includes podcasts, digital video series, and its wide-reaching social media channels, which collectively generate more than 1.5 billion monthly impressions.

In addition to branding exposure, Hard Rock Bet will be featured directly in content, with live odds updates, dedicated betting segments, and custom shows. The partnership also includes on-site productions from major sporting events, where fans can interact with The Volume’s hosts in person.

Hard Rock Venues to Host Fan Events

The collaboration extends into Hard Rock International’s physical casino network. Upcoming plans include live recordings of The Volume’s most popular shows, themed watch parties, and sports-betting tournaments hosted at Hard Rock casinos. Customers using the Hard Rock Bet sportsbetting and casino mobile app will also gain access to exclusive in-person fan experiences, further blending digital betting with live entertainment.

Hard Rock Bet’s Broader Expansion Strategy

This media partnership comes as Hard Rock Bet pushes into new markets and expands its presence across the United States. In Florida, the sportsbook continues to operate under an exclusive compact with the Seminole Tribe, giving it sole legal access to a state with more than 20 million residents.

The company is also investing heavily in destination resorts. In Las Vegas, Hard Rock is redeveloping the Mirage property into a new flagship resort, while in New York, it has joined forces with Mets owner Steve Cohen on a proposed $8 billion casino project near Citi Field.

On the digital side, Hard Rock Digital recently expanded its New Jersey online casino with the launch of AGS Interactive’s Capital Reels, bringing its catalog to more than 3,300 titles.

The operator also launched its “Hard Rock Bet Party” campaign ahead of the 2025–2026 NFL season, featuring appearances by high-profile athletes including Mike Tyson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and John Daly.

Why The Volume Made the Switch

Founded in 2021, The Volume has quickly established itself as a force in sports media, building an audience of more than a billion monthly impressions across its 20-plus shows. By teaming up with Hard Rock Bet, the network gains more than just a sponsor; it gains a partner willing to invest in content creation and live activations that can help grow its reach.

Replacing DraftKings with Hard Rock Bet reflects a shift toward long-term, multifaceted partnerships that tie together media platforms, sports commentary, and betting products. It also allows The Volume to offer fans new experiences both online and in person.

Competition Heats Up Across the Industry

The agreement highlights the increasing competitiveness of the U.S. sportsbook market. Operators are no longer relying solely on advertising; instead, they are building deeper ties with content creators, sports teams, and entertainment brands to reach fans in new ways.

By moving from DraftKings to Hard Rock Bet, The Volume has chosen a partner with a growing presence in both digital betting and brick-and-mortar casinos. For Hard Rock, the deal reinforces its ambitions in the U.S. market and strengthens its position at a time when major operators are racing to secure influence in sports media. For The Volume, it offers fresh momentum as the network continues expanding its role at the intersection of sports and entertainment.