Denial Esports announced late last week that former NFL player Hank Baskett and gaming and casino investor Stephen A. Crystal would become co-owners of the organisation.
We're proud to announce that @TheHankBaskett will be joining the #WolfPack as one of our co-owners! ? https://t.co/KifP3tlT5b pic.twitter.com/8RCigJAyaN
— TAKE IT TO THE TOP / #POSITIVEVIBES (@PatsPositivity) March 11, 2017
Both Crystal and Baskett join Robby Ringnalda in the newly created trio of co-owners. Denial Esports is home to rosters in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Guild Wars 2, Overwatch, Super Smash Bros, Street Fighter V, H1Z1 and Rocket League.
Hank Baskett played 65 games across his NFL career, for the Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings. He’s also well-known for his marriage to Kendra Wilkinson and subsequent role in reality TV series Kendra.
Meanwhile, Stephen A. Crystal has extensive experience in the iGaming and gambling industry. The announcement on Denial’s site states:
“His experience includes igaming, land-based casinos, the hospitality industry, tribal gaming, software implementation, interactive gaming, intellectual property, taking companies public, raising capital, launching products, strategic partnerships, new tech innovations, tech transactions, consulting, outsourcing solutions, investing, project management, project development, lobbying, land use, and regulatory and governmental compliance.”
Hank Baskett joins the plethora of traditional sports and celebrity names that have seen the burgeoning esports industry as a worthwhile investment. The investment from traditional soccer clubs as well as NBA franchises and high-profile investors has been well documented. Additionally, backing from those with a Vegas background seems to be on the rise and Stephen’s investment is testament to that.
It’s been a huge start to the year with just two and a half months gone and non-endemic investment through the roof. We predicted at the end of last year that 2017 would be awash with big investment news and so far we’re not wrong. Long may it continue.
Esports Insider says: Congratulations on Denial, Hank and Stephen on their respective deals. It’s great to see more investment in esports and we look forward to seeing the fruits of this new co-ownership.