Riot Games and MLB Advanced Media Rumored to Have $90 Million Deal
There are rumors that Riot Games and MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM) recently had discussions. MLBAM’s subsidiary BAM Tech handles several well-known companies, including Disney, HBO, WWE, and The PGA Tour. This deal has the potential to greatly impact esports, particularly League of Legends, and could be a significant turning point for the industry as a whole.
Richard Lewis first reported this news yesterday. It was also mentioned today on SportsBusinessDaily, which provided more details about the rumored $90 million deal. Sources confirmed ongoing communication between Riot Games and MLBAM, discussing and negotiating deals. Analysts predict that sports team owners and investors, who are familiar with BAM Tech’s relationship with traditional sports, will closely watch this potential deal.
Significance for Esports
While only a few sports teams recognize the value of esports and its growing community, this deal has the potential to bring esports to the forefront of organizations’ minds. Paris Saint-Germain is a recent example of a team that has embraced esports, and these recent reports indicate a shift in perspective among larger organizations in regards to esports.
So what does this mean for League of Legends? Teams involved in esports will benefit significantly and play a crucial role in this potential deal. Riot Games will likely seek to expand beyond traditional sponsorships and ad revenue that teams rely on. Additionally, they may receive more media coverage, as their streams are currently available on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. There is a possibility that League of Legends will have its own streaming platform outside of Twitch, and the report suggests the development of a new video application for the League of Legends website. Moreover, there are mentions of “subscription billing.”
Although both Riot Games and MLBAM have declined to comment, ongoing discussions seem inevitable. These upcoming changes, if they take place, will have a significant impact on LoL esports in 2017. These changes may also influence other competitive games and how investors perceive the esports industry, potentially reshaping the entire landscape.
*Edit (Nov. 17 5:45 p.m. EST): We would like to apologize for inaccurately crediting the above report. The original report by Richard Lewis was released 24 hours earlier. You can find his video here: “Are Riot Games Set To Announce A Streaming Deal With MLBAM?” We apologize to Lewis and anyone else who may have been offended by this mistake.
What do you think is next for League of Legends? Let us know in the comments or tweet us @GAMURScom.
Jordan Aldridge-Payne is an esports journalist for GAMURS and can be reached on Twitter @mrjordanap.
esports, Riot Games, MLB Advanced Media, BAM Tech, League of Legends, traditional sports, Paris Saint-Germain