Digital media and entertainment production company Wisdom Gaming has secured a partnership with MLB baseball team the Minnesota Twins.
As a result of the deal, the team will sponsor Wisdom Gaming’s Minnesota Varsity League (MNVL), an esports league open to high schools in the state.
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The deal marks the baseball team’s first foray into esports, joining a long list of sports teams that have entered the industry in recent years.
Since its creation in 2019, the MNVL has expanded to over 50 schools with over 800 players expected to compete in the Spring season beginning on March 21st. The season will conclude with the State finals taking place in June.
Nicole Du Cane, Vice President of Business Development and Sales at Wisdom Gaming, spoke on the partnership: “The growth and scale that MNVL has shown in the past few years have been nothing short of incredible. The prestige in bringing on a sponsor like the Minnesota Twins not only allows for MNVL’s continued growth but also sets an example for students and parents of the level of support there is for the next generation of esports professionals.”
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Minnesota Twins will sponsor 32 live streams taking place throughout the season, in addition to six broadcasts for the MNVL State Finals. The team joins the likes of esports tournament platform LeagueSpot, training platform Gwoop, and the Minnesota Røkkr Call of Duty League franchise on the league’s partnership roster.
Chris Iles, Senior Director, Brand Experience and Innovation for the Minnesota Twins, also commented: “We are excited to be partnering with Wisdom Gaming to sponsor the MNVL Spring 2022 season.
“The commitment that Wisdom has put forth with MNVL is an incredible testament to the innovation that exists within esports, and the Minnesota Twins are proud to foster this spirit – and its ability to empower the full potential of our youth – within our state.”
Esports Insider says: High school esports is a developing space in North America with leagues starting to secure significant partnerships. The Minnesota Twins joining forces with the MNVL is a solid starting point for the team. If the partnership proves to be successful, it’ll be interesting to see if the MLB side looks at other esports opportunities.