Davante Adams Likely First Active NFL Player with Gambling-Related Sponsor

Davante Adams and MGM Resorts International have agreed to a deal that likely makes the Raiders All-Pro wide receiver the NFL's first active player with a gambling-involved sponsor.

Under the agreement, Adams becomes a brand ambassador for the global gaming, entertainment and hospitality company and will participate in special events at MGM's Las Vegas and regional properties, the company said in a press release.

The deal excludes Adams from any involvement in BetMGM, MGM Resorts International's 50/50 online sports betting venture with Entain Holdings, a representative with BetMGM confirmed.

An NFL Players Association representative did not answer questions as to whether players are allowed to represent sports betting operations while active.

BetMGM does have a deal with an active player — in the NHL. Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid became the first active player from a major North American sports league to sign a sponsorship deal with a sports betting company when he did so in March.

MGM employs former Detroit Lions great Barry Sanders as a brand ambassador for BetMGM, though Adams is the parent company’s first active NFL player under sponsorship, according to the release.

“Davante is a class act both on and off the field and has built a strong fan base,” Lance Evans, MGM senior vice president of sports and sponsorships, said in a statement. “We are excited to welcome one of the NFL’s elite players to the family and look forward to his future engagements with our MGM Rewards members.”

BetMGM is also an official sports betting sponsor of the NFL.