MUSL Confirms Launch of Multi-State X’s and O’s Game
Powerball is partnering with the National Football League (NFL) to launch a new multi-state game that will bring ‘the best of both worlds’. Called X’s and O’s, the game will have a unique prize structure and is expected to begin in late August or early September 2026.
Instead of offering a huge cash jackpot that might roll into the billions of dollars, X’s and O’s will put its emphasis on lifestyle experiences that are linked to the NFL.
All the details about how the game will work have yet to be announced, but it is set to follow a similar format to tic-tac-toe. Rather than picking numbers, players will choose 8 NFL teams and prizes will be based on how many of the winning selections they match. Go to the X’s and O’s page for more game information as it gets released.
The game will arrive after an extensive period of research and planning, with the product group settling on a $5 price point. Drawings are likely to take place on Sundays to keep the game in line with the NFL.
Experiences You Can’t Buy
A number of lottery officials have already expressed their excitement about the development of a game that is so different to other major lotteries such as Powerball and Mega Millions, particularly the eye-catching prizes.
“We talked earlier about experiential prizing: reaching some of those players that are less interested in - I mean, everyone wants cash - but they're interested in some of those experiences that you can't buy," Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) Executive Director Bret Toyne said at a PGRI panel in November. "By aligning ourselves with the NFL, we can put together those types of experiences."
Iowa Lottery President and CEO and Powerball Group Chair Matt Strawn provided some examples of what winners could look forward to. He said: “When you think about the experiential prizing that is built into the prize structure of this game, we're not talking about just tickets to go see your local team play. Of course, we're going to have your $50 in Fan Cash, things of that nature. We're putting you in a suite at the Super Bowl, we're putting you on the podium on draft night, potentially making a pick for your favorite team - these are the types of prizing elements that we're building into the structure of this game."
One of the reasons why the MUSL has established an NFL-themed game is so that it can tap into a wider market. Research showed that the Powerball brand has an awareness of 85% among the 35-54 age group, while those aged 18-34 would be more interested if it aligned more with the NFL.
Minnesota Lottery Director Adam Prock said: “Powerball is a huge, global legacy brand. I think for us to be successful, we've got to find those other acculturated, relevant places that we can partner [with], and I don't know how you can get much bigger than the NFL. MUSL's proven with NASCAR and other things that we can take those experiential prizes and find that new next generation player."
Pennsylvania Lottery and MUSL President Drew Svitko said: “The NFL is probably one of few brands that are much bigger than Powerball, so it's easy to see the value in that partnership.”
Where Can I Play?
The number of participating states will be confirmed shortly before the launch of X’s and O’s, but reports suggest that at least 31 states have already committed to playing the game.
X’s and O’s will become the second multi-state lottery to launch in 2026, following the start of Millionaire for Life in February. Keep checking back on Lottery.net for more information about X’s and O’s.
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