Financial company Mastercard and Game developer Riot Games have announced an extension of their multi-year League of Legends global esports partnership.
As a result, Mastercard will remain an official sponsor of the League of Legends World Championship, the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) and the All-Star event. The deal also includes sponsorship of the events’ opening ceremonies.
Besides brand exposure at League of Legends esports global events, Mastercard will be featured in the game itself through promotions and logo placements, as well as on merchandise produced in partnership with Riot Games. The payments company will also be able to provide its clients with co-branded cards to be offered at banks around the world.
The extension was celebrated on October 12th in New York City, where the current World Championship Group Stage is being held, through a VIP event named ‘Priceless Table at Worlds 2022’. New events such as this are also in the works following the partnership extension.
League of Legends has become a major part of Mastercard’s esports marketing strategy, with the payments company strongly supporting the scene since 2018.
Mastercard currently sponsors regional leagues like the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS), League of Legends European Championship (LEC) and the Brazilian League of Legends Championship (CBLOL). The Northern League of Legends Championship (NLC) also counts on Mastercard’s sponsorship since 2020.
The company’s relationship with League of Legends also extends to organisations. Since January 2022 it is a sponsor of FlyQuest’s League of Legends teams and since 2019 it has been a partner of G2 Esports’ League of Legends project.
Mastercard is not the only financial company partnered with Riot Games’ League of Legends competitive scene. Santander is also a strong sponsor of LoL Esports, having signed multiyear deals throughout April and June with the LEC, CBLOL and Liga Latinoamerica (LLA).
