AEG, one of the world’s largest sports and live entertainment companies has announced a strategic investment in esports organisation Immortals.
Following the investment in Immortals, AEG joins the illustrious ownership group which includes Lionsgate, Lionsgate’s President of Interactive Ventures & Games Peter Levin, Memphis Grizzlies co-owner Steve Kaplan amongst several other well respected investors. It will see them link up with Chairman of Immortals (and MD of Crosscut Ventures) Clinton Foy, and Immortals CEO Noah Whinston. The full list can be seen in the release here.
As part of the investment, Immortals will host their Los Angeles-based tournaments and events at AEG’s, L.A. LIVE. It’s not the first time AEG has got involved in the burgeoning esports industry. Last September, the company entered a long-term global partnership with ESL, which enables the esports company to utilise AEG’s network of 120+ clubs, theatres, arenas and stadiums for events.
“AEG prides itself on being a forward-thinking, innovative company and is committed to leading the way as the industry evolves,” said Dan Beckerman, President and CEO of AEG. “Expanding our interests in esports is a natural progression as we continue to invest in growth initiatives that further our leadership in sports and live entertainment. L.A. LIVE offers state-of-the-art venues, production facilities and an unparalleled fan experience, and we have ambitious plans for the campus to become the epicenter of esports in Los Angeles. Through our partnership with Immortals, we are looking forward to exploring a variety of collaborative opportunities to further broaden the global appeal of esports.”
“AEG’s unrivalled experience in the cross-section of sports and entertainment makes them an ideal partner for any organisation. Combined with Immortals’ competitive success and passionate fan base, this partnership provides unique and appealing paths forward to achieve our goal of creating the most exciting and fulfilling esports fan experience in the world,” said CEO of Immortals Noah Whinston. “Whether it’s through hosting events at AEG’s world-class venues, such as L.A. LIVE, allowing fans unprecedented access to our team and players, or the seemingly endless well of talent and business experience AEG brings to the table; this partnership marks an exhilarating milestone for Immortals and its fans.”
Esports Insider says: Undoubtedly huge news as AEG, a company with considerable sports pedigree gets involved in the already illustrious Immortals ownership group. Could this be the coveted OWL Los Angeles franchise?