The Overwatch League has revealed a brand new deal with sports merchandise brand Fanatics, who will give the fans "an omnichannel retail experience along with a significantly expanded assortment of products," as the press release explains.
This is Fanatics' first venture into esports and sees them secure US and international rights to produce jerseys for the competition, not to mention hard goods, headwear, and more. The partnership will also see both work together to secure more companies to grow the amount of products they offer, and Fanatics will create a new mobile shopping platform and operate on-site retail for all OWL events.
"Our collaboration with Fanatics—the first between a major esports league and a global sports merchandising company—allows us to reach even more fans and to provide them with high-quality merchandise and a best-in-class retail experience where they can shop for all our great Overwatch League gear," said Brandon Snow, chief revenue officer of Activision Blizzard Esports Leagues. "Fanatics has a proven track record of success with major sports brands and we're excited to work with them in expanding this part of our business."
This deal comes just before the start of the second season of the league on February 14, but before the season starts Fanatics' global network will have merchandise available, including for the new expansion teams coming into the league.
Is this a good deal?