British esports organisation Into The Breach (ITB) announced it has acquired part-ownership in UK grassroots esports organisation The Goose House.
Financial terms and ITB’s exact ownership stake were not disclosed, but the organisation said it was now a co-owner alongside existing co-owners David ‘dave’ Taylor and ‘dËk’.
The acquisition follows a scandal that rocked The Goose House in late September, when many staff and streamers collectively left the organisation amid a wave of sexual misconduct allegations against former co-owner Dan ‘eLSD’ Ellis. Esports News UK reported that ITB bought Dan Ellis’ shares directly.
ITB said The Goose House would remain ‘largely independent’ from the team, instead acting as a support network to grow its community. That support will come in the form of business development, finance, graphic design, and general administration, ITB said.
In addition to the purchase, Into The Breach also announced that its subsidiary, loungewear brand beCosy, will become a sponsor and official clothing line for The Goose House.
The sponsorship deal includes a cash injection “to bring paid staff and new community initiatives,” ITB said. The first such initiative would be a new tournament called ‘Evolution’, details for which are yet to be announced.
“With this decision, we will not shy away from the remaining concerns about [The Goose House]’s previous operations. We’re taking action to professionalise the community, enhance safety, and improve internal and external communication,” a statement on ITB’s website reads.
The organisation has committed to bringing in paid industry professionals as consultants, the implementation of safety protocols, internal processes for expressing concern, and dialogue with the community, in an attempt to shore up trust in the organisation following the turmoil.
“The beCosy sponsorship and a planned capital injection will enable paid staff focused on specifically TGH. Their sole responsibility will be the healthy growth of TGH as a community, bringing the best of prior events, engagement, and opportunities for all within.”
In a post on X, Sam Macedonio, the Founder of ITB, said the organisation had been in merger negotiations with The Goose House for the ‘best part of a year’. Explaining the decision, Macedonio added that the additional resources ITB could provide would allow The Goose House to scale up its events and initiatives, while still keeping the organisation’s grassroots community focus.
The Goose House is best known for its VALORANT community, which has over 10,000 Discord members. The organisation has also hosted a variety of UK-focused esports events, such as the Birds of Prey Series, a women’s VALORANT tournament that allows qualification to VCT Game Changers Contenders.
The UK Esports Team Committee (UKETC) removed The Goose House from its committee following the initial public allegations.
Esports Insider has reached out to Into The Breach for comment on the ownership structure and will update this article if a response is received.
