This week in esports: Nike, CSPPA, Gucci, UNICEF

As always, we’ve rounded up the biggest and best stories from the past week so you can stay abreast of the industry’s biggest happenings. This week in esports saw Nike partner with T1, CSPPA form an alliance with ESL Pro Tour, Skillshot Media go independent, and Fnatic collaborate with Gucci.

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T1 finds exclusive apparel partner in Nike

Korean organisation T1 announced sports apparel giant Nike as its exclusive apparel partner.

The deal will see Nike design uniforms for all of T1’s rosters, including its team in the LCK. Nike will also provide “cutting-edge training facilities” at T1’s headquarters in Seoul, which is set to open in 2020, to aid in “empowering” the organisation’s players.

Read the full article here.

CSPPA enters agreement with ESL and DreamHack for Pro Tour

ESL and DreamHack signed a framework agreement with the Counter-Strike Professional Players’ Association (CSPPA) for the ESL Pro Tour.

The agreement is an effort to make sure the competitive circuit is mindful of professional players’ needs. The parties will work together to mutually agree on the governance of the circuit, business revenues, player rights, and obligations while at events.

Read the full article here.

Skillshot Media goes independent, plans esports centre

Skillshot Media completed a management buyout, meaning it is now independent from former owner Hi-Rez Studios.

Todd Harris, Co-founder of Hi-Rez Studios and Nabil Ismail, former Vice President of Hi-Rez Studios will serve as CEO and COO of Skillshot Media respectively. It has also established a partnership with INAP to develop an esports centre and production studio in Atlanta.

Read the full article here.

Fnatic announces charitable partnership with UNICEF

London-based organisation Fnatic established a partnership with UNICEF to combat issues that affect children globally.

The partnership begins later this month with the #GotYourBack campaign, which will see Fnatic produce charity streams and content that promote positivity within gaming and esports.

Read the full article here.

Gucci flirts with esports by inviting Fnatic to front row of show

Gucci dabbled with the esports industry for the first time by inviting Fnatic to sit front row at its latest menswear show.

The organisation sent players from its LEC roster to attend the show, dressed to the nines in Gucci clothing. They sat alongside the likes of actor and singer Jared Leto, actor Andrew Garfield, and actor Salma Hayek.

Read the full article here.

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