Two prominent names are entering the eSports arena, as Robert Kraft and the owners of the New York Mets are buying entries in the Overwatch League, according to ESPN.
As reported by ESPN, these agreements represent two of six that have been obtained by Blizzard Entertainment for its forthcoming Overwatch League. Kraft is the owner of the NFL’s New England Patriots and MLS’ New England Revolution, while Sterling Equities is controlled by the Wilpons, the owners of MLB’s New York Mets.
Under the terms that are being reported, the spot owned by Kraft will represent Boston. Meanwhile, Mets COO Jeff Wilpon will oversee a New York slot that is owned and operated by Sterling VC. More from ESPN:
Of the four American cities, two will be occupied by groups non-endemic to esports ownership. Patriots parent company Kraft Sports Group is guaranteed the Boston spot, as previously confirmed by ESPN. In New York, the spot will be owned and operated by Sterling VC, which is the venture capital subsidiary of Sterling Equities, and will be run by Jeff Wilpon, multiple sources said.
The other two American spots will be owned by esports teams that were founded by sports team owners and business moguls within the last two years. Immortals will control the Los Angeles spot, while NRG Esports will obtain the San Francisco spot.
Overwatch League, NRG and Immortals declined comment when contacted by ESPN. The Kraft Sports Group and the Wilpon family have not yet responded to a request for comment.
Outside of its four United States locations, the Overwatch League is slated to include spots in Shanghai and Seoul.
We have been tracking some of the major sports owners to enter the eSports world. In recent weeks, AEG has announced its investment in Immortals, while Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL) owner Jeff Vinik was named an investor in aXiomatic, a gaming and esports company based in Los Angeles.
