3 PRO SPORTS TEAMS INVEST IN ESPORTS IN LAST 4 DAYS
TNL Take: As we all move toward the singularity and live more of our lives in a digital world, we increase the pixelated ephemera we leave across Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, YouTube, Twitch and whatever pops up next.
For better or for worse, we at least have a recorded timeline of our history and yesterday and I got a digital reminder of the following I wrote 1 year ago to the day:
If you're a regular reader you'll know how involved Pro Teams have been in the last year but here's a quick recap:
In just 9 months in 2016 since I wrote that, 20+ Pro Sports teams invested in eSports.
In the last 4 days we've seen 3 pro teams look to invest in eSports.
Here's a recap of the teams and leagues looking to make the leap since the last update:
MLS FINALLY MAKES A MOVE
After watching European soccer teams and leagues dominate eSports involvement, the MLS finally made a move with New York FC signing FIFA athlete Chris Holly.
It's not a surprise that NYC FC was the first to make the move as they're partially owned by Manchester City, which was the 2nd English Premier League team to sign a FIFA athlete last July.
MEXICO'S CLUB AMERICA TEASES ESPORTS ANNOUNCEMENT
Not much was revealed outside of a Tweet however Liga MX team Club America would be Mexico's first pro team eSports investment.
FRANCE CONTINUES TO ROLL
France has been one of the most active participants at the intersection of pro sports, eSports and media starting last year with several teams getting involved and Webedia purchasing the ESWC (Electronic Sports World Cup) and eSports platform; in addition to their national league, Orange e-Ligue 1.
2017 is no different with Olympique Lyonnais increasing their investment by signing 4 Chinese FIFA players.
This week saw the 4th Ligue 1 team looking to make the move with LOSC not only looking at FIFA but League of Legends as well.
AUSTRALIA'S ADELAIDE CROWS BUY ESPORTS TEAM LEGACY ESPORTS
Earlier this month, the Australian Football League announced their intent to enter eSports and potentially hold a tournament at Etihad Stadium.
Note to the AFL: Please don't attempt your 1st involvement in a 50,000+ seat capacity stadium
A day after the LOSC announcement, the AFL's Adelaide Crows announced the purchase of Legacy eSports, a local team fielding teams in several games.
The Houston Rockets hired a Director of eSports Development and the Warriors have an open position. Expect even more investment and job opportunities as these two industries collide.