American peripheral and electronics brand JBL has expanded its sponsorship agreement with 100 Thieves to include Call of Duty League (CDL) team LA Thieves.
The audio company has also partnered with 1,000 Dreams Fund to launch the JBL Quantum Grant — a programme to support women in esports.
RELATED: 100 Thieves collaborates with Cash App to launch Cash Card
Financial details and the length of the expanded 100 Thieves partnership were not disclosed. However, JBL will supply LA Thieves with noise-cancelling Quantum headsets. Also, the teams will have access to the latest JBL portable speakers and lifestyle headphones for the CashApp Compound and Content House Show.
JBL first partnered with 100 Thieves in April 2020, supplying peripherals for the organisation and its various rosters. The organisation’s CDL team was unveiled in November, so this extended partnership will now include all 100 Thieves teams.
The JBL Quantum Grant is expected to provide 30 micro-grants and opportunities to engage with high-profile women in the industry.
Ralph Santana, Chief Marketing Officer at JBL parent company HARMAN, commented: “At JBL, we believe that every player matters. Following the launch of our award-winning JBL Quantum gaming headsets last year, and seeing record growth in the gaming industry throughout 2020, we are proud to partner with 1,000 Dreams Fund to create the JBL Quantum Grant to help improve gender representation and create a more inclusive environment for women in gaming.”
[primis_video widget=”5183″]
RELATED: Valkyrae and CouRage made co-owners of 100 Thieves
Content creators including Brooke ‘BrookeAB’ Bond and Kyedae ‘Kyedae’ Shymko will participate in the JBL Quantum Grant as JBL Ambassadors, offering virtual mentorship sessions with select grant winners. The two influencers will share tips and advice to women who want to break into the gaming industry.
Christie Garton, Founder of 1,000 Dreams Fund, added: “Through our partnership with JBL, we are committed to helping a diverse group of young women get closer to achieving their careers, including first-generation college students and young women of colour. Since its inception, 1,000 Dreams Fund has provided over $400,000 in funding for young women, and we are excited to team up with JBL to take steps toward equitable representation for women in gaming.”
Esports Insider says: Extending its partnership with 100 Thieves is a solid move by JBL. Moreover, helping develop even more female relevant influencers in the esports ecosystem, through the 1,000 Dreams Fund partnership, will enhance JBL’s already solid reputation within in the gaming industry.