Esports Entertainment Group has announced details of a new partnership with US Major League Soccer (MLS) team Philadelphia Union.
Under the deal, the length of which was not disclosed, Esports Entertainment will serve as the official esports tournament provider for the club.
Esports Entertainment will host gaming tournaments for the club on its Esports Gaming League (EGL) platform, offering fans the chance to win prizes such as Union merchandise and one-of-a-kind experiences.
The new deal comes after Esports Entertainment agreed a similar partnership with AEG, the sports and entertainment giant that owns MLS franchise LA Galaxy.
“We’re excited to further extend our reach into Major League Soccer through our partnership with the Philadelphia Union,” Esports Entertainment chief executive Grant Johnson said.
“Traditional sports teams continue to incorporate esports into their programs, and we are quickly becoming the go-to provider for tournament solutions for this highly attractive market segment.”
Philadelphia Union senior vice president of corporate partnerships, Jean-Paul Dardenne, added: “Our team and MLS have been at the forefront of incorporating esports as a way to connect and further engage our fanbase.
“With this partnership, we are excited to continue to build on our success in esports and to provide another way for fans to connect to the team they love.”
The deal comes after Esports Entertainment this week entered into an agreement to acquire B2B software business ggCircuit and esports center operator Helix eSports for an estimated $43m.
Esports Entertainment said the deal forms part of its strategy to create a vertically integrated esports business by combining technology, physical venues, esports betting and real-money igaming.