Esports

James Watson has departed as head of esports at sports and betting-related services company Sportradar following a probe into claims he was betting on esports matches.

SportBusiness International speaks to EA Sports and NFL executives to discuss how they bring in sponsors to the Madden games and the commercial opportunities available

In this month's issue we cover the following: COMING TO AMERICA  – Bayern Munich's New York office helps to secure new partners JUVENTUS – the commercial strategy of Italy's top club LOCAL

Organisers of the French Open tennis grand slam have announced plans to enter into the esports market, along with unveiling an increase of around €3m ($3.7m) to the prize purse for this year’s tournament.

LaLiga, which operates the top two divisions of Spanish football, has launched its latest esports venture, with the new project to be sponsored by Spanish banking group Santander and French food products manufacturer Danone.

LaLiga, which operates the top two divisions of Spanish football, has revealed details of a new esports competition that will be sponsored by fast-food restaurant chain McDonald’s.

Kraft Sports and Entertainment CMO Jennifer Ferron sat down with SportBusiness International at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, to explain why the Kraft Group got involved in the Overwatch League and what it is looking to gain from the investment. 

The Ekstraklasa, the top tier of club football in Poland, has engaged the Lagardère Sports agency in a move designed to enhance its esports offering.

Spanish football’s LaLiga has launched an esports division with the aim of featuring in several projects that will be unveiled in the near future.

Esports investment fund and management company Vision Esports, the parent firm of the Echo Fox, Twin Galaxies and Vision Entertainment properties, has closed a $38m (€30.9m) round of investment featuring backers from a host of organisations and individuals from within the sports industry.

French automotive manufacturer Renault and its Renault Sports Racing division have expanded into the esports market by entering into a partnership with professional outfit Team Vitality.

Istanbul has been announced as the first international host city for Blast Pro Series, a recently launched esports competition.

Mumbai-based Nazara Technologies has acquired a majority stake in Indian esports company Nodwin Gaming.

The Infront agency is to expand its services into the professional esports market after agreeing an exclusive partnership with the STARK eSports agency.

Russian internet company Mail.Ru Group has acquired ESforce, a major player in the esports sector.

North America’s Major League Soccer has launched its own esports competition, eMLS.