From sponsorships to industry-wide announcements, Insider Sport has you covered when it comes to the world of esports.
This week’s edition takes a look at ReKTGlobal acquiring Fearless Media, Team Heretics being added to fan engagement platform Socios, and Dignitas expanding its deal with VIE.gg.
ReKTGlobal seals Fearless Media acquisition
ReKTGlobal has confirmed the acquisition of digital media agency Fearless Media, with the purchase set to ‘further solidify relationships across all verticals’, including the likes of Rogue and the London Royal Ravens.
Using Fearless Media’s extensive media network, brand partners and experts, the deal is expected to enhance all of ReKTGlobal’s owned entities, especially as advertising and esports marketing has become more prominent in the industry.
Dave Bialek, CEO of ReKTGlobal, stated: “ReKTGlobal’s acquisition of Fearless Media is unlike any other in the esports industry. It allows us to fully support the growing demand for advertising and marketing solutions to the gaming and esports community, as we continue to build our industry leading esports marketing portfolio.”
Fearless Media was founded in 2009 and has worked with a multitude of companies in the esports sector such as game developers Valve and Epic Games, along with peripherals manufacturer Turtle Beach.
Cara Scharf, Founder of Fearless Media, added: “We pride ourselves on bringing next level digital marketing solutions to our clients across a multitude of industries. Now through ReKTGlobal, we have the opportunity for cross-pollination across all of our amazing brand partners.”
Toronto Defiant secures TD Bank partnership
TD Bank has struck its first esports partnership as OverActive Media revealed the firm will be the official bank of Toronto Defiant, the organisation’s Overwatch League franchise.
As part of the deal, TD Bank will also sponsor this weekend’s Toronto Defiant Fan Appreciation event from August 20 to 23. The event will feature a virtual meet-and-greet with players, giveaways and a variety of other content including a virtual watch party for Toronto’s match against Dallas Fuel.
It is also important to note that despite OverActive Media owning multiple esports entities, such as the League of Legends European Championship’s Mad Lions and Call of Duty League’s Toronto Ultra, the partnership will be solely focused on Toronto Defiant.
Tyler Keenan, VP Global Partnerships at OverActive Media, commented: “Adding a national brand and globally-recognised institution like TD as a sponsor is a game-changer for our organisation.
“TD has a reputation for helping to support the growth of diverse communities across our country, and it is very empowering to us that they are taking on a sponsorship of this nature and entirely dedicated to our Defiant fans.”
Additionally, TD Bank will be sponsoring an online amateur Overwatch tournament later this year, while also collaborating with a variety of other engagements and content around the Overwatch franchise.
VIE.gg expands Dignitas deal to include naming rights
Esports betting platform VIE.gg has expanded its deal with Dignitas which will see the North American organisation’s Counter-Strike: Global Offensive team be renamed as Dignitas VIE.
VIE.gg’s logo will also feature prominently on the team’s jerseys, being placed just above the Dignitas emblem at the front of the shirt. Moreover, the betting company will create both digital and physical activations with the esports organisation, specifically aimed around New Jersey markets.
Michael Prindiville, CEO of Dignitas, said: “We are honoured to partner with an innovative, multinational brand like VIE.gg. Our co-branded CS:GO team and the immense opportunity around esports betting content in our home state of New Jersey enable us to tell unique and engaging stories at the forefront of both esports betting and competition to millions of fans worldwide.”
The competitive gaming platform, which is owned by Esports Entertainment Group, is also expected to use the new partnership to boost its popularity in European markets due to Dignitas’ CS:GO roster being Scandinavian.
Magnus Leppäniemi, Head of Esports at Esports Entertainment Group, stated: “We are excited to further expand our partnership with Dignitas. As a committed long-term partner, we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to co-brand our VIE.gg platform alongside Dignitas’ legendary CS:GO team, an opportunity that can introduce our brand to millions of esports fans globally and help establish our status as a Tier 1 operator within esports betting.”
Socios adds Team Heretics to its fan engagement platform
Team Heretics has boosted its fan engagement possibilities after partnering with Chiliz to launch a range of tokens through Socios.com’s platform.
The tokens will give fans the opportunity to vote on key decisions to do with the organisation while also allowing people to earn exclusive digital and real-life rewards in an attempt to bring its fanbase closer with the company.
Alexandre Dreyfus, CEO & Founder of Chiliz, commented: “Team Heretics want to give their fans as big a say in the life of the team as possible, which makes them the perfect partner for us – we’re delighted to welcome them aboard.
“Heretics fans can now enjoy a much stronger relationship with the team. The first poll – which will give 6 Fan Token holders the chance to play Fortnite alongside Heretics players and win some amazing prizes from Logitech – is a great way to start!”
In total, five million tokens will be supplied with 125,000 being made available from August 25-27with each token costing €2. However, after the initial offering, prices will fluctuate depending on supply and demand.
Pablo Canosa, Commercial Director of Team Heretics, concluded: “It’s essential to us that our fans are involved as much as possible with the organisation. Now – thanks to Socios.com – our fans can have a real voice and the opportunity to vote in important team matters.
“Not only this, but fans can also look forward to exclusive rewards and experiences too. Stay tuned to Heretics & Socios.com via social media in the coming weeks. It’s time to decide the future of Team Heretics – together!”
