North Carolina-based company Champion is the new apparel sponsor for the Robert Morris University-Illinois (RMU) esports program, the institution announced on its website.
In the 2019-2020 competitive season, the Eagles from RMU will be wearing gear made by Champion. RMU is one the first universities in North America to offer esports athletic scholarships.
Tyler Lewison, General Manager of Champion Teamwear said: “As an innovator in athletic apparel, Champion is thrilled to partner with the Robert Morris University Esports program –one of the first collegiate programs in the nation. For 100 years, Champion has helped break barriers within sports and we are excited to be part of establishing esports in the collegiate realm. This has been a phenomenal experience.”
RMU has varsity teams competing in League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Hearthstone, Heroes of the Storm, Overwatch, Rocket League, and Super Smash Brothers. The Eagles are known in the Midwest as one of the most successful collegiate esports programs and this sponsorship will only take them further.
Jose Espin, Associate Director of Esports at RMU said: “This partnership allows our players to wear the best, whether it be on game day, or during training sessions. All programs competing under the Robert Morris Esports banner will perform with Champion apparel, including our nationally-recognized League of Legends, Counter-Strike, and Heroes of the Storm teams. Our goal is to push esports to the forefront of collegiate athletics and having the support of a brand like Champion helps make that possible.”
The CS: GO squad recently qualified to compete at the IEM Chicago, where they will be disputing the collegiate final against the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.
Esports Insider says: The varsity scene keeps growing in North America as more universities open their own esports programs. Players can compete while completing their education, a balance that most professional players cannot achieve. Sponsors like Champion will keep these programs going.