Sponsorships play a crucial role in modern sports, including esports. In the last decade, esports has transformed from a niche interest into a lucrative industry that competes with traditional sports in terms of revenue. Professional gamers rely heavily on esports sponsorships to support their careers and events. Without sponsorships, many esports events would struggle to thrive financially. The influx and departure of sponsor deals can serve as a barometer for the health of an esport, as seen with Overwatch losing sponsors while new tournaments like Gamers8 secure lucrative deals.
Despite a slight decline in esports spending in 2023, the industry is poised for a comeback in 2024. Major companies continue to invest in esports sponsorships to boost their brand presence. As we head into 2024, we’ve witnessed some of the most significant and impactful partnerships in esports history.
© Coca-Cola Gaming
Here are ten notable esports sponsors who are reshaping the industry:
10. US Air Force
While military sponsorship in esports may raise concerns, the US Air Force has shown a growing interest in supporting esports. Through partnerships with teams like Cloud9 and streaming collaborations, the Air Force aims to engage with a younger audience and showcase career opportunities.
9. Comcast / Xfinity
Comcast’s Xfinity brand focuses on providing high-quality internet services to gamers, sponsoring teams like Evil Geniuses and operating esports arenas. They have expanded their reach by partnering with organizations like FaZe Clan and hosting music events.
© Comcast
Xfinity’s commitment to esports sponsorship continues to grow, with new partnerships and initiatives underway.
8. Secret Lab
Source: Secret Lab
Secret Lab, a renowned gaming chair manufacturer, sponsors major esports teams and events like T1, Astralis, Cloud9, and Team Secret. Their presence is prominent in esports tournaments and among streamers.
7. Mountain Dew/ PepsiCo
PepsiCo’s sponsorship within esports includes supporting teams like Splyce, Team Dignitas, and SK Gaming, as well as major CSGO events. Recent collaborations with esports events and leagues demonstrate PepsiCo’s commitment to the industry.
© MDL
PepsiCo’s strategic partnerships and sponsorships reflect their commitment to the esports community.
6. Esports Bookmakers
Esports bookmakers like Esports Entertainment Group, Betway, Unibet, and GG.BET play a significant role in sponsoring esports teams and events. Their involvement in esports betting has paralleled the growth and interest seen in traditional sports betting, with many top teams now backed by betting providers.
Events featuring esports betting sites as sponsors underscore the growing popularity and financial impact of esports betting.
5. Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola, a major name in the beverage industry, actively sponsors esports events and teams like e-NASCAR, Riot Games, Pittsburgh Knights, paiN Gaming, and Tespa. Their strong brand presence and continued investment in esports demonstrate their commitment to the industry.
Recent partnerships and expansions highlight Coca-Cola’s ongoing support for esports events and teams.
4. Monster Energy
Source: ESL
Monster Energy sponsors a wide range of esports tournaments and events across different games. Their extensive presence in esports, particularly in popular games like LoL, underscores their commitment to the industry.
3. Mastercard
Mastercard has increased its involvement in sponsoring competitive gaming events, filling the gap left by major crypto sponsors. Their partnerships with Riot Games for events like the LoL World Championship demonstrate their commitment to supporting esports talent and events.
Mastercard’s initiatives, including the Mastercard Gamer Academy, highlight their support for emerging talent and continued partnership with Riot Games.
2. Red Bull
Red Bull’s longstanding commitment to sports and esports is evident through sponsorships of events, teams like G2, OG, and Tempo Storm, and their own esports competitions like RedBull SoloQ. Their active involvement in various esports events and games showcases their dedication to the industry.
© Red Bull
1. Intel
Intel’s extensive sponsorships in esports, notably in CSGO and partnerships with Riot Games, have solidified their position as a leader in the industry. Their support for major tournaments and global competitions underscores their commitment to esports and the gaming community.
As a premier sponsor in esports, Intel’s partnerships and involvement in major events place them at the forefront of the industry for 2024 and beyond.
Read next: How do esports teams make money?
