From sponsorships to industry-wide announcements, Insider Sport has you covered when it comes to the world of esports.
This week’s edition highlights the latest developments within the sector, including GRID Esports becoming the first in the industry to join the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) as an associate member.
Through this partnership, GRID Esports will collaborate with the IBIA on issues related to esports betting integrity, aiming to address breaches and combat illegal activities within the esports betting sector.
Additionally, other IBIA members will be able to access integrity-focused resources created by GRID.
Although this deal makes GRID the first esports-focused associate member, the data company has been collaborating with the IBIA since 2022, when it was announced as an approved betting data supplier. This new development aims to strengthen and expand the partnership between GRID and the non-profit organisation.
Moritz Maurer, CEO of GRID, commented: “Integrity is at the heart of GRID’s mission. By joining IBIA as an Associate Member, we are taking a definitive step toward establishing esports as a trusted and credible industry.
“This partnership enables us to further our efforts in promoting transparency, reducing risks associated with esports betting, and strengthening operational practices across the ecosystem.’’
Riot Games introduces new betting policy for esports
Riot Games, the developer behind major esports titles like VALORANT and League of Legends, has announced a significant policy shift regarding gambling sponsors.
Starting in 2025, partnered esports teams will be permitted to sign sponsorship deals with betting companies.
This decision, confirmed by Whalen Rozelle, COO of Esports at Riot Games, was communicated to teams in the Americas and EMEA regions. However, Rozelle clarified that betting brands would not appear on official Riot broadcasts.
Previously, Riot Games maintained a strict no-betting stance, prohibiting its partnered teams from entering into sponsorship agreements with gambling companies.
The new policy, however, reflects “careful planning and study” aimed at providing new revenue streams for esports organisations while maintaining Riot’s high standards for content and promotion.
Rozelle emphasised that the decision “was not made lightly” and outlined strict guidelines for betting partnerships. For instance, sportsbooks must comply with local regulations and meet Riot’s internal standards to ensure responsible promotion.
Although teams will be able to sign agreements with betting companies, the promotion of these deals will remain restricted. Logos or branding from betting sponsors cannot appear on player kits, Riot’s broadcasts, or its official social channels.
As an example, a League of Legends team could theoretically secure funding from a betting partner but would have to keep the sponsorship off visible team assets during matches or streams.
Team Vitality and LOSC set goals for EA FC
Lille Olympique Sporting Club (LOSC) has renewed its EA FC esports partnership with European organisation Team Vitality.
As part of the renewed partnership, LOSC and Team Vitality will maintain a unified competitive roster for the EA Sports FC 2024/25 season. The roster will feature returning coach Johann Simon, who has extended his contract with the organisation, along with French players Ilian Bouchi and Brice Masson.
The EA FC team will retain access to Team Vitality’s V.Performance Centre at the Stade de France for training. In addition to their esports commitments, the roster will have the opportunity to attend LOSC Lille’s club football matches and utilise the football training facilities at Domaine de Luchin.
Both clubs have outlined their goals for the upcoming EA Sports FC competitive season, aiming to secure the first national eLigue 1 McDonald’s title and to compete on the international stage at the 2025 Esports World Cup.
Nicolas Maurer, Co-Founder and CEO of Team Vitality, said: “Extending our partnership with LOSC for a third season is a true source of pride. It reflects our shared vision and commitment to pushing the boundaries between traditional sports and esports.
“Together, we’re investing in rising domestic talents like Ilian and Brice, and this new season promises exciting opportunities for our players and clubs, both in France, and internationally. We’re ready to seize these winning opportunities!”
AESF and AEG unite to enhance Asian esports
The Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF) has revealed a three-year partnership with AEG, a sports and live entertainment company.
Under the agreement, both companies will collaborate to host and promote esports events in key Asian cities, including Hong Kong, as well as organise professional esports club competitions across countries like China.
The partnership will also support event management, commercial sponsorships, ticketing platforms, hospitality management and technology applications, aiming to further strengthen the esports landscape in the region.
Notably, the partnership will include talent exchange programmes designed to provide aspiring esports players with resources and training. Additionally, the collaboration aims to create sustainable business opportunities and will establish a dedicated working group to oversee the implementation of these initiatives.
US-based AEG is known for managing events for top sports franchises such as the LA Kings and Eisbären Berlin. The company also owns and operates major venues including the O2 in London, Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center), and Uber Platz in Berlin.
Adam Wilkes, President and CEO of AEG Asia Pacific, remarked: “This collaboration with AES marks a pivotal moment for esports and live entertainment. We are thrilled to join forces in redefining the global esports experience, driving innovation, and creating unparalleled opportunities for players, fans, and industry leaders alike.”
