Basketball legend Jordan invests in eSports franchise

Michael Jordan has invested in the parent company of Team Liquid, aXiomatic.

Published : Oct 26, 2018 09:15 IST , Los Angeles

Michael Jordan makes his first foray into the burgeoning world of eSports.
Michael Jordan makes his first foray into the burgeoning world of eSports.
lightbox-info

Michael Jordan makes his first foray into the burgeoning world of eSports.

NBA icon Michael Jordan is branching out into eSports, investing in the parent company of Team Liquid, aXiomatic.

Jordan, a six-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls and now owner of the league's Charlotte Hornets, is making his first foray into the burgeoning world of eSports.

He was one of two new investors announced on Thursday by aXiomatic, along with Declaration Capital, the family office of Washington DC-based billionaire David Rubenstein.

According to Forbes the investments were part of a $26 million funding round.

“I'm excited to expand my sports equity portfolio through my investment in aXiomatic, eSports is a fast-growing, international industry and I'm glad to partner with this great group of investors,” said Jordan, who joined his fellow Dream Team teammate Magic Johnson as an aXiomatic investor, as is Ted Leonsis, owner of the NBA's Washington Wizards as well as the NHL's Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals.

“The next generation of sports fans are eSports fans,” Leonsis told ESPN in a statement. “ESports is the fastest-growing sector in sports and entertainment, and aXiomatic is at the forefront of that growth.”

In 2016 aXiomatic acquired a majority stake in Team Liquid, one of the oldest and most popular teams in eSports with more than 60 competitive gamers based out of Los Angeles and the Netherlands.

Team Liquid teams compete in a number of eSports titles, including League of Legends, Dota 2 and Counter-Strike.

The NBA is involved with eSports with its NBA 2K League, which involves 21 NBA team affiliates.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment