Missouri
What would Dana Ford’s buyout be if Missouri State basketball made a move this week?
Missouri State men’s basketball coach Dana Ford enters Arch Madness this week widely considered to be on the hot seat following his worst finish in the Missouri Valley Conference regular season standings.
Ford has one year remaining on his contract.
The university made it known that it is noncommittal to Ford’s future after Missouri State President Clif Smart wrote in a blog post last week that the season would be evaluated once it concludes. Smart and MSU Athletics Director Kyle Moats gave Ford a vote of confidence entering Arch Madness a year ago, saying he would be back when it was reasonable to believe he could have been let go near the end of the 2022-23 season.
The Bears enter Thursday’s first-round game at Arch Madness as the nine-seed, the program’s worst finish in the league since 2008-09 in its first year under Cuonzo Martin.
The News-Leader attempted to ask Smart and Moats about the decision-making process last week in light of Smart’s upcoming retirement in June. A university athletics spokesperson declined to comment on behalf of both.
More: Missouri State noncommittal on Dana Ford’s future as Bears’ men’s basketball coach
What would Dana Ford’s buyout be?
Missouri State used different language in its “cancellation without cause by the university” section of Ford’s contract than in the past.
According to his contract, the sum of the buyout would be calculated by taking the number of months remaining on his contract and multiplying it by his monthly pay. That number would then be divided by two. To put it simply with one year left on his contract, Ford would be paid for half of those months.
With 12 months remaining on his contract with a monthly salary listed at $30,416, it appears a potential buyout would be around $182,496.
Once Proud: A look at the downfall in Missouri State men’s basketball interest
Part 1: Missouri State basketball games are emptier than ever. What happened, and what’s next?
Part 2: Here’s how Missouri State’s rivals are filling the bleachers at basketball games
Part 3: What’s being done to save Missouri State’s dying men’s basketball fanbase?
What if Dana Ford was to cancel his contract and leave for a different program?
In the event Ford is not fired by Missouri State and he was to pursue a different head coaching job, he would have to pay the school around $182,496.
However, if he left for an assistant job at any level, a head coaching job at a smaller division or left collegiate coaching for a year, he could leave without owing anything. It’s the same clause Missouri State had with former football coach Bobby Petrino who took a coordinator position elsewhere and he nor UNLV had to pay MSU anything.
What were the original terms of his contract?
Ford signed a five-year deal in March 2022 that paid him $375,000 in his first two years and $425,000 in years three, four and five. Until he signed an extension, the original deal was set to expire following the 2022-23 season.
When was Dana Ford’s contract extended?
Ford’s contract was extended following the 2020-21 season. He was coming off a 17-7 COVID-19-impacted campaign and had a promising roster featuring standout players like Isiaih Mosley and Gaige Prim.
At that point, the Bears had an overachieving year in his debut season, followed by a flop in year two. The third year saw MSU finish third in league play and fall in a heartbreaker to Drake in the Arch Madness semifinals.
After seven years as Missouri State’s head coach, Paul Lusk was fired in 2018 with one year remaining on his contract. The school bought him out for $370,000 using private donations. Lusk finished with a 105-121 record at Missouri State.
Wyatt D. Wheeler is a reporter and columnist with the Springfield News-Leader. You can contact him at 417-371-6987, by email at wwheeler@news-leader.com or X at @WyattWheeler_NL.
Missouri sports betting officially launches Monday, Dec. 1, but bettors in the Show Me State can start pre-registering as early as Monday, Nov. 17.
You won’t be able to place a wager until launch day, yet Missouri sportsbooks are already rolling out exclusive sign-up deals.
All told, the pre-registration Missouri sportsbook bonuses below stack up to $5,900 in total bonus value.
Missouri sports betting pre-registration offers
How to pre-register for Missouri sports betting
- Pick your sportsbook.
- Fill out your login details.
- Verify your identity.
- Claim your bonus.
When will Missouri launch legalized sports betting?
Missouri will roll out online and retail sports betting on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, but bettors can get a head start. Several sportsbooks are already accepting pre-registrations, allowing users to set up their accounts before the state’s official launch.
We’ve listed all nine Missouri sportsbooks and their respective offers, promo codes and terms and conditions.
| bet365 Sportsbook Missouri promo code | NYPBET |
| bet365 Sportsbook Missouri pre-launch offer | Register & Claim: Bet $10 Get $365 in Bonus Bets before 12/1 |
| bet365 Sportsbook T&C’s | GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. 21+ only. Must be physically located in MO. T&Cs Apply. In App Only. |
| BetMGM Sportsbook Missouri Welcome Bonus | PostBET |
| BetMGM Sportsbook pre-launch offer | Get up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn’t Win + 100 on pre-registration. |
| BetMGM Sportsbook Promos T&C’s | Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. See BetMGM.com for Terms. 21+ only. MO Only. New Customer Offer (If applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. Please gamble responsibly. |
| Fanatics Sportsbook Promo Code | NYPOST |
| Fanatics Sportsbook Missouri pre-launch offer | Deposit $50 and get 15 $200 no-sweat bets. |
| Fanatics Sportsbook T&C’s | Must be 21+ and physically present in MO. New customers who establish a Missouri Fanatics Sportsbook account (“Account”), opt in and make a deposit of at least $50 by 11:59 p.m. ET on November 30, 2025, are eligible for fifteen (15) No Sweat Bets (one per day for fifteen straight days). Place a cash wager of $1+ on any market with odds of -500 or longer, and if that wager settles as a loss, you are eligible to receive FanCash in the amount of the losing wager, up to $200 per day. See full Promo Terms and FanCash terms in the Fanatics Sportsbook app. |
| FanDuel promo code | None |
| FanDuel Sportsbook Missouri pre-launch offer | Bet $5, get $400 in bonus bets. |
| FanDuel Sportsbook Promos T&C’s | Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. 21+ and present in MO. |
| DraftKings Sportsbook Missouri promo code | None |
| DraftKings Sportsbook Missouri pre-launch offer | Sign Up Today & Receive $300 in Bonus Bets on Launch Day! |
| DraftKings T&C’s | Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. 21+. Physically present in Missouri. Eligibility restrictions apply. New customers who successfully sign-up will receive $300 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets on launch day. Bonus Bets expire 7 days (168 hours) after issuance. Stake removed from payout. Ends when DraftKings is permitted to accept sports wagers in MO. Ends 11/30/25 at 11:59 PM ET. Terms at http://sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Sponsored by DK. |
| Caesars Sportsbook Missouri promo code | POSTBETMO |
| Caesars Sportsbook Missouri pre-launch offer | Bet $5, get $150 if your first bet wins and 5x profit boosts. |
| Caesars Sportsbook T&C’s | Must be 21+ and physically present in MO. New users only. Must register using eligible promo code and deposit $5 or more by 11:59 PM ET on 11/30/25. Must opt in from My Promos within 30 days of registration. Tokens max. bet amount: $25 per token. Tokens bet max. add’l winnings: $2,500 per token. Tokens expire 30 days after receipt. Tokens not reissued for voided/pushed bets. Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets If You Win: Min. qualifying bet amount: $5. Min. Odds: -500. First wager after registration must qualify. Awarded as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire 30 days after receipt. Bonus Bet amount not returned for winning bets. See Caesars.com/promos or the Promotions tab on the app for full terms. Void where prohibited. Know When To Stop Before You Start®. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
| Underdog Fantasy Missouri Promo code | NYPOST |
| Underdog Fantasy Missouri pre-launch offer | Play $5, Get $100 in Bonus Entries! |
| Underdog Fantasy T&C’s | Must be 18+ (19+ in AL, NE; 19+ in CO for some games; 21+ in AZ, MA, and VA) and present in a state where Underdog operates. Terms apply. Offer not valid in MD, MI, NY, OH, and PA. Concerned with your play? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit http://www.ncpgambling.org; NY: Call the 24/7 HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY or Text HOPENY (467369). |
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Sean Treppedi handicaps the NFL, NHL, MLB and college football for the New York Post. He primarily focuses on picks that reflect market value while tracking trends to mitigate risk.
Missouri sports betting is set to launch Dec. 1, with a number of sportsbooks set to be available in the Ozark State in the coming weeks.
While new users can’t place wagers until launch day, Missouri bettors can now deposit funds into their newly created accounts, so by early December they’ll be all set.
There is ample anticipation among Missourians to get into the sports gambling action. Now, let’s examine some of the best Missouri Sportsbooks to utilize on launch day.
What sports betting apps are available in Missouri?
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- BetMGM
- FanDuel
- DraftKings
- Caesars Sportsbook
- bet365
- Underdog
Best sports betting apps in Missouri
Fanatics Sportsbook’s elaborate facets:
- Custom promos and bonuses for users
- Each wager contributes toward ‘FanCash’ balance
- Closely aligned to the Fanatics merchandise brand
In conjunction with Boyd Gaming, like BetMGM Missouri, bettors can access Fanatics by mobile app or in-person at a Fanatics Sportsbook location.
New users, after an initial deposit of $50, can access up to $3,000 in FanCash with the Fanatics Sportsbook MO Promo code NYPOST. Essentially, this can be used to place bets, buy casino credits, or purchase any team apparel under the Fanatics brand umbrella.
Must be 21+ and physically present in MO. New customers who establish a Missouri Fanatics Sportsbook account (“Account”), opt in and make a deposit of at least $50 by 11:59 p.m. ET on November 30, 2025, are eligible for fifteen (15) No Sweat Bets (one per day for fifteen straight days). Place a cash wager of $1+ on any market with odds of -500 or longer, and if that wager settles as a loss, you are eligible to receive FanCash in the amount of the losing wager, up to $200 per day. See full Promo Terms and FanCash terms in the Fanatics Sportsbook app.
BetMGM Sportsbook’s elaborate facets:
- Versatile betting options
- Users can watch live events via streaming or gamecast to track current wagers
- Substantially good rewards setup for existing customers
Although not as popular as FanDuel or DraftKings, BetMGM offers a steady stream of promos and betting tools for users.
As of March 2025, BetMGM is listed as an official partner of the Kansas City Chiefs.
With code BetMGM Sportsbook MO Bonus Code POSTBET, new Missouri users can get up to $1,500 in bonus bets if their first bet doesn’t win +100 on pre-registration.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. See BetMGM.com for Terms. 21+ only. MO Only. New Customer Offer (If applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. Please gamble responsibly.
FanDuel Sportsbook’s elaborate facets:
- Same Game Parlay+ option
- Top rated by bettors
- Lighting quick withdraw features
In August 2025, North America’s top gambling enterprise announced a partnership with St. Louis City Soccer Club of the MLS as its market access partner for the Missouri launch.
An intriguing Pre-Launch Missouri offer is the FanDuel Sportsbook promo, which grants new users $400 in bonus bets after placing a $5 wager.
New users in the Show Me State can bet $5 and get $400 in bonus bets if your bet wins with FanDuel.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. 21+ and present in MO. Pre-Launch $100 Offer: Bonus bets expire 30 days after FanDuel accepts its first real money sports wager in MO. Unique user identity verification required. Post Launch $300 Offer: First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus bets expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms for both offers at sportsbook.fanduel.com
DraftKings Sportsbook’s elaborate facets:
- Unique promo offers and codes
- Easy and interactive mobile display
- Harmless accessibility with DraftKings DFS
One of two books that holds an untethered mobile sports betting license in Missouri.
This type of agreement will give DraftKings the green light to operate its online sportsbook independently in the state without the need for a local partnership with a professional sports team or state casino.
The Missouri DraftKings Sportsbook MO promo allows users to bet $5 and earn $300 in bonus money on Launch Day (Dec. 1).
21+. Physically present in Missouri. Eligibility restrictions apply. Terms: draftkings.com/sportsbook. Subject to regulatory licensing requirements. New customers who successfully sign-up will receive $300 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets on launch day. Bonus Bets expire 7 days (168 hours) after issuance. Stake removed from payout. Ends when DraftKings is permitted to accept sports wagers in MO. Ends 11/30/25 at 11:59 PM ET. Terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Sponsored by DK.
Caesars Sportsbook’s elaborate facets:
- Impeccable rewards program
- Highly functional application
- Multiple Parlay options for users
Similar to BetMGM and Fanatics Sportsbook, Missouri bettors can utilize Caesars via mobile betting or in person at select partner Casino locations.
Caesars Sportsbooks Bonus Code POSTBETMO allows new bettors to wager $5 and receive an additional $150 in bonus bets if that bet wins.
Must be 21+ and physically present in MO. New users only. Must register using eligible promo code and deposit $5 or more by 11:59 PM ET on 11/30/25. Must opt in from My Promos within 30 days of registration. Tokens max. bet amount: $25 per token. Tokens bet max. add’l winnings: $2,500 per token. Tokens expire 30 days after receipt. Tokens not reissued for voided/pushed bets. Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets If You Win: Min. qualifying bet amount: $5. Min. Odds: -500. First wager after registration must qualify. Awarded as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire 30 days after receipt. Bonus Bet amount not returned for winning bets. See Caesars.com/promos or the Promotions tab on the app for full terms. Void where prohibited. Know When To Stop Before You Start®. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
bet365 Sportsbook’s elaborate facets:
- Ability to “payout” early on active wagers
- One-of-a-kind odds boosts
- Numerous options outside of the U.S. for international sporting events
Although baseball season just wrapped up, bettors in Missouri can look ahead to MLB action next season and the Cardinals’ opening day showdown against the Tampa Bay Rays next March.
New users using the bet365 Sportsbook MO bonus code NYPBET will be able to access $365 in betting value after placing a $10 wager within 30 days of sign-up, win or lose.
The reigning champion Los Angeles Dodgers are also favored to three-peat, with +350 odds of winning the 2026 World Series.
Right now, the Cardinals have 100/1 odds of taking home the title.
GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. 21+ only. Must be physically located in MO. T&Cs Apply. In App Only.
Underdog Sportsbook’s elaborate facets:
- Easily compatible with Underdog DFS
- Interactive tournaments and games to play with other users
- Top-of-the-line research tools for wagering
In September, the New York-based daily fantasy games pioneer announced a partnership with the MLB’s Kansas City Royals.
Underdog Sportsbook promo code NYPOST sets up new users with $100 in bonus entries after a $5 wager.
GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. 21+ only. Must be located in MO. T&Cs Apply. Please play responsibly.
When will Sports Betting be available in the state of Missouri?
Missouri sports betting is set to go live on Dec. 1, 2025, and the Show-Me State has confirmed that a plethora of sportsbook options will be available to customers once the market is up and running.
Thanks to voters, sports betting in Missouri was approved by a 2nd Amendment on a November 2024 ballot.
Get the lowdown on the Best USA Sports Betting Sites and Apps
These constitutional alterations allowed the Missouri Gaming Commission to license and regulate sports betting, including up to 14 operators, as well as partnerships with several casinos and professional sports teams.
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC. He has demonstrated expertise in both NBA and NFL player prop bets for nearly three years. Mike is also highly knowledgeable about the sportsbook offer landscape, frequently trying and reviewing the latest apps and sites.
A pair of Oklahoma’s key defensive players are trending toward being unavailable for the Sooners’ Week 13 matchup with the Missouri Tigers.
For the second straight game, the Sooners’ defense will be without star pass rusher R Mason Thomas and cornerback Gentry Williams. Thomas was injured in the first quarter of Oklahoma’s win over Tennessee in Week 10. Williams has been battling shoulder issues for several seasons and is unlikely to play once again. He hasn’t played since Oklahoma’s win over South Carolina.
The Missouri Tigers received great news on Friday. It was reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel that starting quarterback Beau Pribula was expected to be the starting quarterback for the Tigers on Saturday. That’s reflected in his absence from the Friday night availability report.
Pribula has far more experience than true freshman quarterback Matt Zollers and is a dual-threat option for the Tigers. The Sooners’ defense will face a greater challenge with Pribula running the offense. He hasn’t played since Missouri’s 17-10 loss to Vanderbilt back on October 25. How well his ankle holds up in game will be a key storyline to the game.
Here’s a look at the Friday night availability report ahead of Oklahoma-Missouri, which kicks off at 11 a.m. CT.
Oklahoma Sooners Availability Report
| Player | Position | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Troy Everett | OL | Out |
| Jacob Sexton | OL | Out |
| Jake Taylor | OL | Out |
| Heath Ozaeta | OL | Out |
| Jovantae Barnes | RB | Out |
| Kendel Dolby | DB | Out |
| Gentry Williams | CB | Doubtful |
| R Mason Thomas | DL | Doubtful |
Missouri Tigers Availability Report
| Player | Position | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Sam Horn | QB | Out |
| Blake Craig | K | Out |
| DeMarion Fowlkes | WR | Out |
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.
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