DraftKings, FanDuel Donate Nearly $1M to Trump’s 2025 Inauguration

Strategic Moves in Washington

“Our participation is part of regular government affairs activities,” a FanDuel spokesperson said, noting the inauguration offered a chance to meet state lawmakers and discuss expanding legal gaming.

The donations align with DraftKings and FanDuel’s dominance, holding a 65% share of U.S. online gaming revenue.

With sports betting legal in 38 states, the inauguration provided a unique platform to connect with policymakers. The committee, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, faced no donation caps, allowing corporations like these to invest heavily.

It’s about building relationships in the strategic time, ahead of potential federal gambling reforms.

Sports Industry’s Big Contributions

The sports world showed solid support, contributing over $15 million. Dallas Mavericks owner Miriam Adelson and Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta each gave $1 million, while Chicago Cubs co-owner Todd Ricketts and family donated $1.6 million.

The DeVos family, owners of the Orlando Magic, collectively gave $1 million, with Dan DeVos and Suzanne DeVos each contributing $250,000. Comcast Corp., tied to the Philadelphia Flyers, and Eldridge Business Services, linked to the Los Angeles Dodgers, each donated $1 million.

Other notable donors included Walmart, partially owned by the Denver Broncos’ Walton-Penner family, with $150,000, and Delaware North, owner of the Boston Bruins, with $50,000.

Oak View Group, which manages sports venues, gave $250,000, and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, co-owner of San Diego FC, donated $500,000.

Inaugural committees fund events like balls and parades, not the taxpayer-covered Capitol ceremony. The $239 million raised, doubling Trump’s 2017 record of $109 million, drew from tech, finance, and crypto sectors, with Robinhood giving $2 million and Live Nation $500,000.

Unlike campaign donations, inaugural contributions face no limits, though foreign entities are barred.