Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club and payment solutions firm AstroPay have announced a partnership, with the deal also having an effect on its competitive gaming division Wolves Esports.
AstroPay will become Wolves’ new principal partner, as well as a shirt sponsor for both the club and its European esports teams.
Wolves will also feature AstroPay’s logo on official publications, its website and within social media channels.
Despite being a football club by trade, Wolves entered the esports industry in 2018. Since then, Wolves Esports has created rosters in FIFA, Rocket League and sim-racing, whilst also cooperating with Fortnite and other popular esports projects.
Earlier this year, Wolves Esports also announced its entrance into Rainbow Six Siege with the signing of LFO, the reigning 6 French League Champions. In addition, the organisation recently teamed up with the University of Wolverhampton’s Screen School to set up a bootcamp for its Rocket League team.
Russell Jones, GM for Marketing and Commercial Growth, at Wolves, commented: “As a forward-thinking and fast-growing brand, we know AstroPay has enjoyed the exposure and reach that the Premier League brings.
“Their progressive attitude and ambitious growth plans have seen them win significant market share in both Asia and Latin America – two areas where Wolves has developed a strong following but also harbours extensive growth ambitions for 2022/23.”
One of Wolves Esports’ moves within Asia included the acquisition of Chongqing QGhappy – which was rebranded to Chongqing Wolves – by parent company Fosun Sports. Wolves Esports has been active in China since 2019, having launched Wolves Esports (China), which consists of teams in FIFA Online 4, Call of Duty, and Identity V.
Over the last 12 months, AstroPay has made an effort to integrate itself within the esports sector. According to the announcement on Wolves’ website, both entities’ emphasis on the industry was an important factor when signing the partnership. Alongside Wolves, AstroPay was an official sponsor of the Pinnacle Cup III.
