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SAP to enter the esports industry
SAP, German software business and sports data giant, signed a partnership with American structure TeamLiquid. Its aim for SAP will be to develop technical answers while leaning on the exploit of TeamLiquid’s game data. Through this partnership, SAP takes its first step into the esports business. The German company can however rely on its more “traditional” sport expertise and its work with major actors like Manchester City’s or Bayern Munich’s football club.
Stefan Ries, SAP’s HR director, explained in a press release: “Esports opens us up to a tech-savvy and highly skilled audience and potential new talents for SAP. […] SAP is particularly interested in talent, who bring team spirit, endurance and decision-making based on facts in a context – which is exactly what esports athletes have.”
Kia announcing partnership with Counter Logic Gaming
Kia, one of the most famous automotive supplier, recently announced a sponsorship with Counter Logic Gaming’s Rocket League team. A brand content sponsoring strategy which will result in a documentary serie called “CLG’s Roads”, along with multiples interviews. Kia joins here the list of automotive suppliers involved in esports, such as Audi, BMW, and Toyota ; or even Renault, which has been Vitality’s partner for a few weeks now, resulting in the “Renault Vitality sports team”.
It’s raining sponsors on the NBA 2K League
The first ever NBA 2K League draft occurred in the night from April 5th to April 6th and sponsorships are already leaning towards this new esport opportunity. Here are some of the few numbers defining it:
- a 6 months’ championship
- 17 structures involved
- 102 pro players
- a minimum wage equal to 32 000 dollars
- a total of 3 315 000 dollars in wages
Ambitious! Last week, the team King Guards Gaming, related to the Sacramento Kings NBA franchise, signed an exclusive partnership agreement with both PlayWire, a services company, and Unikrn, an online virtual betting website. It follows a pre-existing deal between PlayWire and Unikrn, aiming to create new economic opportunities through esport. With those partnerships, the two companies join an ever-growing list of NBA 2K League partners, which includes institutions such as the American Navy Force as well as computing giants like Intel.
Sweden wants to give esports a more attractive look for women
The Swedish organization Female Legends fundraised 5 millions SEK (Swedish currency, around 490 000 euros) to encourage women to get involved more in esports. Named “The future of esports”, the project aims to build a safer, more inclusive and thus more diverse space to allow girls and women to play and polish their skills. The money was provided by the Swedish Inheritance Fund (SIF), a state investment fund.
