Nick Piccone
According to Darren Rovell, the Sixers have become the first North American sports franchise to purchase an esports franchise. Actually, make that two esports franchises.
But why? Well…
The team will announce Monday that it has acquired long-time franchise Dignitas and upstart Apex, which offers a guaranteed spot in the highly coveted League of Legends Championship Series, and operate under the Dignitas name.
Terms were not disclosed, but more established esports team brands have been offered in the marketplace at valuations between $5 million and $15 million. WME-IMG represented Dignitas in the transaction. The acquisitions come about a year after a presentation on the growth of esports was made at the NBA Board of Governors meeting.
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One of the most important synergies in the deal could be in the mass merchandising of esports player jerseys. Gear has been available at tournaments and online but has always been limited. Michael Rubin, owner of Fanatics, the largest online sports retailer in the U.S., is a minority partner of the 76ers and is part of this deal.
The Sixers became the first North American professional sports team to sell advertising on their jerseys earlier this year.