ESE Esports has purchased League of Legends Oceanic Pro League (OPL) team Abyss, Riot Games Oceania today announced.
The new owner is a division of Executive Sports and Entertainment (ESE), a Sydney-based agency founded in 1998. Company owners Rohan Sawyer, Leon Spellson and Ryan Wilson have confirmed that Abyss’ Nathan Mathews will remain as as “a key member of the team.”
“Esports attributes are very similar to traditional sports, fans and tribalism with commercial opportunities in sponsorship, membership and broadcast. Esports has already exploded globally and we see League of Legends and the OPL doing the same here,” said ESE’s Rohan Sawyer.
“Last month we saw a first for Australian mainstream sport, with the Adelaide Crows acquiring the professional OPL team Legacy. We believe Esports will be a top tier sport in Australia and with transactions like this and what we are seeing overseas it may come sooner than we anticipate.”
“It is great to have another strong group invest in an OPL Esports team,” added Riot’s Daniel Ringland, Head of Esports. “With the executive team of ESE Esports having strong backgrounds in professional sport, sponsorships and finance, Abyss have found an organisation that will give them a platform to develop and cultivate their talent in Split 2 and beyond. The future of the OPL has never looked brighter for teams, fans and sponsors with competition definitely going to heat up.”
Abyss will take part in the OPL’s Split 2, competing against Team Regicide on 10 June.
This article may contain affiliate links, meaning we could earn a small commission if you click-through and make a purchase. Stevivor is an independent outlet and our journalism is in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.
