The main news this week comes in the form of further partnerships and investment across the realm of esports. The highlights include German car giant Audi sponsoring CS:GO team Astralis, ESL signing an exclusive broadcasting deal with YouTube and Alisports signing a ten year esports partnership with Changhzou City.
Audi partner with Astralis
We very nearly went a whole week without a huge non-endemic sponsor entering the esports realm. Alas, German car-giant Audi saved the day with their sponsorship of CS:GO team Astralis.
Last week was huge, with investment from Miami Heat, Lionsgate, Unikrn and Genesis BBQ Chicken in esports. The week before we saw Visa get involved with SK Gaming. Now it’s Audi’s turn.
There’s little to no detail of the deal figures-wise, yet the Danish CS:GO roster are looking incredibly suave with the famous four rings adorned upon their new jerseys as they head to Atlanta to compete in the ELEAGUE Major.
“It’s fantastic news for esports and a validation of our world, that a non-endemic brand like Audi chooses to work with Astralis and Counter-Strike” Astralis’ founder Frederik Byskovtold Dot Esports.
Read the full article here.
ESL Pro League Season 5 and 6 to be streamed exclusively on YouTube
This week it has been confirmed that YouTube have agreed a deal with ESL to exclusively stream the ESL Pro League for Season 5 and 6. The English coverage of the event will only be available on the YouTube streaming platform; whereas other languages will continue to be shown on Twitch.
Ryan Wyatt, Global Head of Gaming Content at YouTube stated: “YouTube is happy to announce our partnership with WESA to distribute the upcoming seasons of the ESL Pro League. Entering their 5th Season, ESL’s ability to continue to produce the highest quality content at the pinnacle level of competitive play is unrivalled.
It’s the type of deal that may become increasingly commonplace as streaming platforms look to rival the Amazon owned giant Twitch.
Read the full article here.
Alisports sign a ten year esports partnership with Changzhou
Alisports, the sporting arm of the world’s largest retailer Alibaba has agreed a ten year strategic esports partnership with the city of Changzhou.
Changzhou will play host to the next five WESG events, in addition to regionals and the world final. There hasn’t been a wide range of details about the partnership, but with a company the sheer size of Alisports making a commitment to esports it can only mean good things.
It also speaks volume about the potential longevity of esports that the strategic partnership has a staggering initial term of ten years.
Read the full article here.
