EXCLUSIVE: UNDERWORLD ESPORTS RAISES $10M FROM GRIZZLIES KAPLAN, SURVIVOR'S DR. ZAHALSKY
Underworld eSports Raises $10M From Grizzlie's Kaplan, Survivor's Dr. Zahalsky (Photo: The Next Level)
TNL Take: Money continues to pour into eSports teams.
The Next Level has learned that Memphis Grizzlies co-owner Jed Kaplan and current "Survivor" season member Dr. Mike Zahalsky have invested in Portland based Underworld eSports. Kaplan is also an owner of Swansea City Football Club of the English Premier League.
While the overall investment total was not revealed, the rumored figure is as high as $10M - which is an extraordinary amount for a team which currently competes in four titles ranging from Call of Duty to Vainglory.
Two other interesting aspects of this investment.
First, we’re beginning to see the second wave of professional sports owners who are seeing big investment opportunities in eSports. Stephen Kaplan, co-owner of the Memphis Grizzlies as well, previously invested in team Immortals back in November of 2015 via Oaktree Capital.
TNL Infographic 027: NBA eSport Investment (Infographic: Jordan Fragen)
Second, as Pro Sports team owners continue their involvement within eSports, what's the new investment trend?
Athletes and celebrities.
From NRG's recent investment from both Marshawn Lynch and Jennifer Lopez, Underworld eSports investment also includes Dr. Mike Zahalsky from the current season of "Survivor".
The deal was brokered by Bill Yates of the Sports Advisory Group who has also been linked to other eSports team investments.