North American esports organisation FlyQuest has been acquired by the Viola family office, the owners of NHL team Florida Panthers.
The Viola family purchased FlyQuest off Milwaukee Bucks’ Co-owner Wesley Edens and Fortress Investment Group. This is the first time FlyQuest has changed ownership since the organisation was founded in 2017.
Financial details regarding the price of the acquisition have not been disclosed. Esports Insider has reached out for more information.
According to the announcement, the new owners will continue the organisation’s ‘Showcase Greatness’ ethos through activations, partnerships and by expanding into other esports titles. Currently, the organisation competes in League of Legends with its LCS franchise as well as in Super Smash Bros. Melee.
Last year, FlyQuest’s LCS team finished sixth and fifth in the Summer and Spring split, respectively. In 2020, the organisation qualified for the League of Legends World Championship for the first time.
Michael Viola, President of the Viola family office, commented on the acquisition: “We are excited about the future of the esports industry, and we were drawn to FlyQuest’s culture and commitment to playing for a greater purpose.
“We are excited to lead FlyQuest in its next chapter as a mission-driven organisation that competes at the highest level both in North America and on the world stage.”
According to the announcement, Michael Choi, FlyQuest’s recently appointed CEO will remain with the company despite the ownership change.
Over the past two years, FlyQuest has made a name for itself through its ‘Go Green’ initiatives, which aim to mix competitive success with an environmental cause. Its most recent activation occurred during the 2022 LCS season with the TreeQuest x Priceless Planet Coalition campaign.
The Viola family are the owners of Sunrise Sports & Entertainment, which is the parent company of the Florida Panthers. The Viola family purchased the NHL team back in 2013.
