Esports sponsorships are becoming increasingly popular as the industry experiences rapid growth. Companies are investing in esports teams and players to reach a young, engaged demographic that is difficult to reach through traditional advertising. Sponsorships can include jersey, tournament, or product sponsorships, as well as endorsement deals. Examples of successful sponsorships include Sephora’s partnership with 100 Thieves, Nike’s partnership with China’s League of Legends Pro League, and Red Bull’s sponsorship of numerous esports teams and tournaments. Sponsorships provide teams and players with financial support and exposure to help them compete at the highest level and build their brand.
The Role of Sponsors in Esports: How Companies Are Investing in Teams and Players
Introduction
Esports has been experiencing tremendous growth in recent years, and with this growth comes an increase in opportunities for sponsorships. Companies are now investing in esports teams and players, providing them with financial support and resources they need to compete at the highest level.
Why Companies Sponsor Esports
Esports sponsorships provide companies with a unique opportunity to reach a highly engaged audience. According to a survey by Nielsen, 22% of esports fans are more likely to support a brand that sponsors their favorite team or player. Additionally, the average age of esports fans is relatively young, with the largest demographic being 18-34 year-olds. This demographic is often difficult to reach through traditional advertising, making esports sponsorships an attractive option for companies looking to expand their reach.
Sponsorship Opportunities in Esports
There are several different ways that companies can sponsor esports teams and players. Some common opportunities include:
- Jersey Sponsorship: Companies can have their logos or brand names displayed on team uniforms or jerseys.
- Tournament Sponsorship: Companies can sponsor esports tournaments, providing financial support and resources.
- Product Sponsorship: Companies can provide products, such as gaming peripherals or apparel, to sponsored teams or players.
- Endorsement Deals: Companies can sign endorsement deals with individual players, similar to traditional sports sponsorships.
Examples of Esports Sponsorship Deals
In 2020, the cosmetics company, Sephora, sponsored 100 Thieves, an esports team that competes in League of Legends, Valorant, and Fortnite. The partnership included jersey sponsorship, content collaborations, and the launch of a new product line inspired by 100 Thieves.
Nike has also entered the esports sponsorship game, partnering with China’s League of Legends Pro League (LPL) in 2019. The partnership included LPL jerseys being sold in Nike stores and the creation of custom LPL-branded shoes.
Red Bull is another company that has heavily invested in esports sponsorships. The energy drink brand sponsors numerous esports teams and tournaments, including the Red Bull Solo Q and the Red Bull Flick tournaments.
The Benefits of Esports Sponsorship for Teams and Players
Esports sponsorships provide teams and players with the financial support and resources they need to compete at the highest level. This includes funding for travel, equipment, and training. Additionally, sponsorship deals can provide exposure for teams and players, helping them to build their brand and attract more fans.
Conclusion
Esports sponsorships provide companies with a unique opportunity to reach a highly engaged audience. The benefits of sponsorship deals for teams and players include financial support and exposure, which can help them compete at the highest level and build their brand. As the esports industry continues to grow, we can expect to see an increase in sponsorship deals and new opportunities for companies to get involved.