Sentinels has announced its first-ever anime collaboration with the global sports series Haikyuu!!, in a partnership with streaming service Crunchyroll.
The collaboration includes the launch of a new collection of apparel, which is themed after the esports organisation and sports anime. The clothing line-up will launch on Sentinels’ website on August 22nd, the same day as Sentinels’ Playoff match debut in the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) 2025 Americas Stage 2.
Within the collection, fans can get their hands on two hooded sweatshirts, a short-sleeve graphic t-shirt, two performance jerseys, two sets of athletic shorts and a custom water bottle.
“This partnership with Haikyu!! and Crunchyroll is a celebration of two communities built on passion, teamwork, and competition,” said Rob Moore, CEO of Sentinels.
“Anime and esports share the same cultural energy, and we’re excited to give our fans a collection that unites those worlds in an authentic and meaningful way.”
Anime Collaborations in Esports
It is not the first time esports and anime have crossed over through partnerships and collaborations.
In recent years, Crunchyroll has ventured into the esports scene through several partnerships. Before working with Sentinels, Crunchyroll held activations for the Esports World Cup earlier this year. The streaming service also launched My Hero Academia merchandise with Furia last year, and in 2022, launched a selection of anime-themed t-shirts and hoodies with TSM.
Team Liquid has also worked with multiple well-known brands throughout the years, including launching an apparel collection with Naruto Shippuden. Last year, the North American organisation excited fans after releasing Death Note-themed merchandise, including mousepads, keycaps and more.
Popular esports titles have also held limited-time events featuring well-known anime and manga series for fans to enjoy outside the LAN events.
For example, PUBG Mobile, one of the most popular esports titles of 2025, launched an Attack on Titan collaboration update earlier this year. Popular anime and figurine brand, Gundam Wing, has also collaborated with esports titles such as Overwatch 2 and Call of Duty Mobile to bring unique skins for players to purchase.
