FanDuel launches new ad campaign for the NBA playoffs featuring Charles Barkley

Official sports betting partner of the NBA FanDuel announced the launch of "Think Like a Player," a new ad campaign for the NBA playoffs that utilizes deepfake technology to bring back a legendary player from his prime playing days.

In partnership with NBA Analyst and legend Charles Barkley, "Think Like a Player" will introduce the world to a deepfake-generated version of a young Barkley from the 1990's, dubbed "Young Chuck."

Barkley will encourage FanDuel users to think like a player when placing wagers on the platform, recruiting his younger self to help fans understand how they caan create exciting Same Game Parlays on their favorite players.

FanDuel will offer all customers unique betting markets and new customers a special signup offer of bet $5, get $150 in Bonus Bets with additional offers coming throughout the postseason.

FanDuel's EVP of Marketing, Andrew Sneyd, said: "We're excited to tap into the energy of the NBA playoffs as well as the fanhood for Charles. This campaign will not only cement FanDuel's place in the conversation of brands that are adding to the sports experience but continue to give us the opportunity to flex our creative muscle and demonstrate how we're reaching our target audience in unique ways."

The spots will kick off during the play-in tournament, airing throughout the conference finals, with the final spot going live during the finals.

Back in March, the company launched its sportsbook app in the state of Massachusetts, and inked a partnership with the NHL's Boston Bruins, who named the brand an Official Sports Betting Partner. 

Sports fans who are at least 21 years of age in Massachusetts can now place wagers on FanDuel's online sportsbook. Customers who sign up for the FanDuel Sportsbook, deposit at least $10, and place a bet of at least $5 will automatically receive $200 in sportsbook Bonus Bets.