Does Nike Sponsor Any Esports?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Nike does sponsor esports, with its involvement in the industry including a personal endorsement deal with Chinese League of Legends stalwart Jian ‘Uzi’ Zihao, marking the first time the brand has signed a deal with an esports athlete. The company’s engagement with esports also extends to its four-year sponsorship deal with China’s League of Legends Pro League (LPL), although this is set to conclude unless extended.
Introduction to Nike’s Involvement in Esports
Nike’s entry into esports underscores the growing recognition of competitive gaming as a significant platform for brands to reach a young and engaged audience. This move aligns with the strategies of other apparel brands like Adidas, Louis Vuitton, and Under Armour, which have also ventured into esports sponsorships to tap into the lucrative millennial and Gen-Z consumer market.
FAQs About Nike and Esports Sponsorships
General Questions
- What is Nike’s stance on esports sponsorships? Nike has shown a positive stance by partnering with esports athletes and leagues, indicating its belief in the potential of esports as a marketing channel.
- Which esports teams are sponsored by Nike? While Nike has a deal with Jian ‘Uzi’ Zihao, specifics about team sponsorships are less clear, though its partnership with LPL suggests support for teams within that league.
- Does Nike sponsor gamers? Yes, Nike sponsors gamers, as evident from its deal with Uzi, marking a significant step into esports sponsorship.
Sponsorship Details
- What brands are into esports? Brands like Mountain Dew, Red Bull, Intel, Coca Cola, Microsoft, and Ally Financial are actively involved in esports sponsorships.
- Who is the biggest esports sponsor? Red Bull is often considered one of the largest and most active esports sponsors, with a wide range of sponsorships and its own esports events.
- Does Adidas sponsor esports? Yes, Adidas has entered the esports scene through partnerships like the one with Gamers 8, indicating its interest in esports marketing.
Application and Acquisition of Sponsorship
- Can you ask Nike to sponsor you? Nike does not accept unsolicited sponsorship requests, indicating a selective approach to its sponsorship deals.
- How to become a Nike ambassador? Candidates must apply through a referral program, and a Nike team reviews each application to ensure endorsement deals benefit both parties.
- How do you get paid by Nike? Through the Nike Affiliate Programme, selected websites can earn a commission by promoting Nike products, with affiliates earning up to 11% commission on valid sales.
Ownership and Investment
- Who owns Nike? The Knight family, including Phil Knight and his son Travis Knight, owns more than 97% of outstanding Class A shares, giving them effective control of Nike.
- What all does Nike sponsor? Nike sponsors a wide range of sports and athletes, including soccer players like Cristiano Ronaldo, and has also ventured into esports with its sponsorship of Uzi and the LPL.
Esports Industry Insights
- How many companies sponsor esports? The number of esports sponsorships has been increasing, with over 2,254 publicly announced deals in the last year alone.
- Why do brands sponsor esports? Brands sponsor esports to reach a young and engaged audience that might be harder to reach through traditional sports, offering a direct and engaging method of advertising.
- Does Coca Cola sponsor esports? Yes, Coca Cola sponsors esports, with partnerships including the Overwatch League, bringing esports to the Coca-Cola family.
- How do I get esports sponsors? To get esports sponsors, research potential sponsors that match your niche and audience, and consider starting with affiliate sponsorships that require sharing affiliate codes and links.