Update: 12:17 pm on 15/06/2018 – SPONSORs has reported that Deutsche Telekom will also provide financial support to SK Gaming. The organisation is applying for a permanent spot in the EU LCS’ franchised league and has received a six-figure amount from its latest partner.
After departing the competitive League of Legends scene in 2016, SK Gaming has partnered with German telecommunications company Deutsche Telekom alongside its re-entry.
Acting as SK Gaming’s official telecommunications and technology partner, Deutsche Telekom will provide support to the entire organisation as it continues to establish itself in Germany – the telecoms company will mainly focus on the League of Legends roster.
SK Gaming’s new roster will compete in the recently-announced League of Legends Premier Tour, a tournament series for teams based in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The Premier Tour is seen as a path to the European Masters that caters to both professional and amateur teams.
SK Gaming’s official League of Legends roster is as follows:
- Daniel “Scarface” Aitbelkacem
- Gerrit “Phrenic” Stukemeier
- Hicham “SozPurefect” Tazrhini
- Tim “Keduii” Willers
- Mads “Doss” Schwartz
According to The Esports Observer, this is a one-year deal but discussions have already taken place regarding an extension to the partnership. Deutsche Telekom is also a prominent jersey sponsor for SK Gaming, appearing on all jerseys excluding Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Rainbow Six Siege.
While this is the first esports venture for Deutsche Telekom, it’s US subsidiary T-Mobile is a sponsor of the Overwatch League and the Houston Outlaws. It plans to be involved when SK Gaming opens its own practice facility in 2019.
SK Gaming is also partnered with the likes of lifestyle brand Razer, audio specialists Sennheiser, and soft drink brand Mountain Dew. In addition to League of Legends, the organisation houses competitors in Clash Royale, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, FIFA, Hearthstone, Paladins, Rainbow Six Siege, and SMITE.
Esports Insider says: SK Gaming has deep roots in League of Legends so it’s lovely to see it make a return, and bringing along Deutsche Telekom for the ride seems like a good move. We’re interested to see how, if at all, the telecoms giant gets more involved with esports over time.