Overwatch League franchise Los Angeles Valiant has a new jersey sponsor for Stage Two of the league in the form of Ash vs Evil Dead, due to a new partnership with Lionsgate.
Announced on February 22nd, the Overwatch team – owned by esports organisation Immortals – will help to promote Season 3 of the Starz original series. The brand new journeys that boast the Ash vs Evil Dead logo will first be displayed on February 24 when LA Valiant take on Shanghai Dragons.
Ari Segal, LA Valiant President, COO said the following about this unique partnership. “Ash vs Evil Dead is a content property that is highly contextual to gaming and to our core demo and fan base. By creating truly unique, money-can’t-buy experiences for our fans around that property, we elevate the fan experience to something that aims at more than merely being a fan of a team; instead, we’re building a real community of people that activates around not only the Valiant, but also other properties or events from which it derives value and enjoyment.”
Peter Levin, Chairman, LA Valiant and President of Interactive Ventures, Games, and Digital Strategy, Lionsgate also weighed in. “The Valiant’s audience, the audience for Overwatch League and esports generally, is one of the most elusive and yet highly sought after demographics. At both Lionsgate and the LA Valiant, we continue to think three dimensionally about how to reach and authentically connect with that constituency.”
Esports Insider says: While jersey sponsors are nothing new in esports, a season of a television show being advertised on players’ jersey is definitely… unique. It’ll be hard to tangibly measure the viewers or interest gained from this partnership, but it’s definitely positive for LA Valiant, the OWL, and esports in general.