Event organiser ESL has entered a three-year licensing agreement with gaming glasses manufacturer GUNNAR Optiks.
The deal will see ESL produce its own range of branded glasses over the coming years, starting later in 2020.
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The deal is said to be global in reach, though specific regions and territories have not been disclosed. Financial terms have not been detailed at the time of release.
David Hiltscher, VP Shop, Merchandise, Licensing at ESL Gaming, spoke on the deal in a release: “As we continue to lead exponential growth in esports, we also strive to professionalize the athlete experience in esports. With our goal of providing unique and innovative functional esports products, it made perfect sense to partner with the leaders in gaming glasses, GUNNAR Optiks. We look forward to equipping players across the globe with ESL gaming glasses designed specifically for esports players and their fans.”
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ESL will release two collaborative lines with GUNNAR Optiks later in 2020, with more to come in 2021 and 2022 as the partnership progresses. Beanstalk facilitated the agreement between the two companies.
Georgina Petrie, Director of Marketing – Gaming for GUNNAR Optiks, also commented: “From humble beginnings in 2006, GUNNAR quickly recognized the need to support gamers by creating eyewear that would heighten their gaming experience in addition to protecting their eyes. With gamers being core to our brand, the partnership with ESL is part of a strategic alignment we’ve been pursuing in order to deliver new and innovative glasses directly into the hands of the people that need them most.”
Esports Insider says: ESL as a brand definitely carries a lot of weight so it’ll be interesting to see the reception to its own branded gaming glasses upon release. We’re not sold just yet, but we’re not underestimating the deal.