Big brands are falling over themselves to forge links with eSports, helping to maintain its status as one of the fastest growing industries in the world. Annual revenues in the sector are already around the $1 billion mark and experts have predicted that figure could nearly double over the next few years.
Increased coverage from broadcasters has made eSports a much more attractive proposition for global businesses from a sponsorship perspective. We take a closer look at some of the latest deals.
Activision Blizzard teams up with Sportradar
Activision Blizzard has agreed a multi-year deal with Sportradar to protect the integrity of its Overwatch League and Call of Duty League. Sportradar will monitor the global betting activity of both competitions with a view to ensuring that any corrupt practices are identified and eliminated. With eSports wagering becoming increasingly prevalent, Activision Blizzard are eager to guarantee that punters can place bets with confidence.
Both Overwatch League and Call of Duty League are covered regularly by leading bookmakers and punters can see the latest esports betting tips here if they fancy placing a wager.
McLaren Seoul agrees new eSports partnership
McLaren Seoul have agreed their first-ever eSports partnership after penning a deal with Korean organisation DragonX (DRX). While this is the company’s opening foray into eSports, they are not the first luxury car brand to move into the sector. BMW recently teamed up with five leading eSports organisations, while Mercedes-Benz have numerous long-standing agreements in the sector.
DragonX have been crowned as League of Legends champions in Korea on two previous occasions and will be eager to secure more success with McLaren now on board.
Call of Duty League bags new broadcast deal
The Call of Duty League has a new broadcast partner, with Activision Blizzard agreeing a three-year deal with communications specialists TeamSpeak. The partnership includes a worldwide digital marketing program which will be made up of community campaigns and online brand sponsorships. TeamSpeak was already involved with the Overwatch League and the new deal further strengthens their link-up with Activision.
The company’s technology ensures seamless in-game communications for both live in-person events or virtual competitions.
Samsung boosts T1’s roster of major partners
Leading eSports organisation T1 Entertainment & Sports has added to its roster of major partnerships after agreeing a deal with Samsung. Team based at the company’s Seoul headquarters will use Samsung’s latest curved monitors and engage in promotional activities with the Korean electronics giant. T1 already has an impressive array of global partners including BMW, Logitech G, Nike and Twitch, and the new arrangement with Samsung strengthens their position in eSports.
The Seoul-based organisation’s teams have won numerous titles including the League of Legends World Championships on three occasions.
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