As always, we’ve rounded up the biggest and best stories from the past week so you can stay abreast of the industry’s biggest happenings. This week in esports saw Babybel enter the industry, ESPN pick up esports events, Jimmy Iovine invest in FaZe Clan, and LCK announce a long-term partnership model.
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Babybel enters esports with Team Heretics deal
Le Groupe Bel’s cheese snack brand Babybel entered the esports industry through a deal with Spanish organisation Team Heretics.
The deal sees Team Heretics and Babybel collaborate on initiatives that promote having healthy habits while gaming, though the specific activations haven’t been disclosed.
ESPN to broadcast LCS Spring Split Playoffs
ESPN entered a broadcasting partnership with Riot Games to air the LCS Spring Split Playoffs, starting on April 8th.
As part of the deal, ESPN serves as the official linear and authenticated streaming platform in the United States for the remainder of the competition.
ESPN to air Torque Esports’ The Race All-Star Series
Torque Esports also entered a broadcast partnership with ESPN for live coverage of its sim racing tournaments.
From April 11th, ESPN will broadcast The Race All-Star Series‘ All-Star Cup and Legend Trophy live on ESPN2. As well as being aired live on ESPN2, The Race All-Star Series has now been expanded as to become a “full championship series” featuring professional racers and sim racers.
Jimmy Iovine and NTWRK lead funding round for FaZe Clan
North American organisation FaZe Clan closed its latest funding round, which was led by entrepreneur Jimmy Iovine.
Perhaps known best for being the co-founder of both Beats Electronics and Interscope Records, Iovine led the round alongside NTWRK – a platform he’s invested in that his son, Jamie Iovine, co-founded. NTWRK has acquired the global direct-to-consumer product rights for FaZe Clan.
Riot Games to implement long-term partnerships in LCK
Riot Games announced that the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) will adopt a long-term partnership model in 2021.
LCK will adopt the same model – which sees teams enter long-term partnerships with the developer – that is currently in place in China, Europe, and North America with LPL, LEC, and LCS respectively.
You Are Not Alone event founded to unite 10 million gamers
A collection of European esports and gaming companies founded You Are Not Alone (YANA), an event that aims to unite over 10 million gamers.
Taking place on May 2nd, the fundraising event is supported by the likes of Barclays, Codemasters, Sports Interactive, Esports Insider, and Ubisoft.
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