HyperX has today announced its first NBA team sponsorship with the news that the company is now the official headset partner of the Philadelphia 76ers.
HyperX is already heavily involved in the world of esports, and twinned with this announcement is news that its sponsorship of Team Dignitas has been renewed. Dignitas were acquired by the 76ers back in September 2016 making this combined announcement no great surprise. Team Dignitas now operates under the Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment venture, which includes the New Jersey Devils of the NHL and Prudential Center.
HyperX is a division of Kingston Technology Company, and produces a wide range of headsets, keyboards, mice and more for gamers. The news of its extension into the NBA is particularly cool, and we can expect plenty of in-game activations during the 2017-2018 NBA season. This will reportedly include courtside and in-arena LED ring signage and branding, exposure on the scoreboards, concourse activations and HyperX giveaway nights.
With the fact that the NBA 2K League is set to kick off its inaugural season shortly this partnership makes for particularly convenient timing. Unsurprisingly we’ll see HyperX involved in the 2K League in some way, shape and form too especially with the 76ers are one of the 17 teams competing. The release stated that the ’76ers NBA 2K team will enjoy HyperX premium quality headsets while playing games, listening to music, or watching movies’.
It was also confirmed that both the 76ers and Team Dignitas will work with HyperX to ‘create co-branded video content, including crossover team activities and featured video vignettes, along with banner advertisements’ on the team websites.
Chad Biggs, Senior Vice President of Marketing Partnerships, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment noted: “HyperX equipment provides unparalleled sound quality and precision for Team Dignitas players training and competing at the most elite level in the world, and as such, has been both a natural partner and critical member of our team for years.
“We are proud this world-renowned esports brand will now become a household name for Philadelphia 76ers fans as well, as HyperX becomes the official gaming headset partner of one of the most iconic NBA franchises in history. We look forward to introducing HyperX gaming headsets, keyboards and mice to our 76ers fans through dynamic in-game activation and compelling digital content online.”
Paul Leaman, Vice President, HyperX EMEA added: “As traditional sports and esports converge and fan enthusiasm grows, HyperX is pleased to be the first gaming accessories company to sponsor an NBA team.”
“Team Dignitas has a long history of being a contender at global tournaments. We are looking forward to partnering with Team Dignitas on content, appearances, and activations, while providing our full line of gaming peripherals for the team to use while gaming.”
For those in London, our next ESI Forum event next week (Thursday October 26th) at Fnatic’s Bunkr will have HyperX on the panel discussing the topic of sponsorship in esports; why, what and how. Shane Herrington, HyperX Brand Marketing Manager, will be joined by Fnatic’s Head of Partnerships and Minute Media (DBLTAP’s) SVP and GM of Esports. You can find out more and secure tickets here.
Esports Insider says: This is great news for HyperX as it extends into the NBA with its first such partnership. The NBA 2K League element will ensure we see a lot of HyperX product linked in with the NBA in the coming months, which should give the brand some serious elevation. This is more solid news for Dignitas too, who we imagine will be heading down to a Buffalo Wild Wings branch to celebrate.