NBA Brooklyn Nets basketball player Kevin Durant just invested in Andbox, the ownership group for Overwatch League’s New York Excelsior and Call of Duty League’s New York Subliners, further cementing the link between sports and esports.
Proud to announce our newest investment in @andbox_official @subliners to continue the growth of esports in New York and beyond https://t.co/wwvOrhtJsM
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) March 15, 2021
His own investment group, Thirty Five Ventures, was the one to make the move. The group’s name comes from the number he wore in Golden State and Oklahoma City a few years prior. Of course, he obviously took part in the decision and knows this to be a smart decision.
Kevin Durant
Rich Kleiman is both Kevin Durant’s agent and the one in charge of Thirty Five Ventures. He stated that they did not have to think much before investing in esports. In addition, Rich Kleiman mentioned that he had KD’s full support on it. Considering how esports took the lead in entertainment for some time after the pandemic hit, the timing seems right.
.@KDTrey5 / @richkleiman? @andbox_official
Welcome to the family Kevin Durant, Rich Kleiman and @35Ventures.
There's no bigger stage #NewYork #NYSL #EverUpwardhttps://t.co/LKNsAWf1Tf
— NYSL (@Subliners) March 15, 2021
The ownership group can now count on what Kevin Durant brings to the table. For example, his image for merchandising, presence to attract sponsors, and even collaborations with gamers all around the world. When live events come back in the near future, he may also comes to share a few moments with esports players.
“The passion that New York sports fans have has really hit home with me,” Kevin Durant said. “Andbox is bringing that same energy to esports here, and that’s something Thirty Five Ventures is very excited to be a part of.”
Andbox
With assets like the New York Subliners and New York Excelsior, Andbox keeps adding more and more personalities to its community. Actor Michael B. Jordan and content creators like “CDNThe3rd” and “Bobby Plays” are already a part of the Andbox family.
Of course, securing Kevin Durant is a huge win for Andbox, who now looks much more attractive. Sponsorship prices will arise solely due to the association with Kevin Durant.
“There is no bigger stage in the world to compete on than here in New York, and that’s what drives superstars like Kevin Durant here and thanks to us, just as it did with Clayster, a back-to-back Call of Duty champion who joined us this offseason,” Andbox CEO Farzam Kamel stated.
This announcement is not the first and certainly not the last about the entanglement of sports and esports. In fact, four episodes of The Gamer Hour are already dedicated to interviews with NBA players like Josh Hart, Hamidou Diallo, Thomas Bryant, and Grayson Allen.
Written by Charles FUSTER
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