Miami-based organisation Misfits Gaming and Outerstuff LLC, a manufacturer of licensed youth sports apparel, have partnered to create a global esports apparel venture.
The venture – which is yet to be named publicly – will begin with a new line of licensed apparel for both Misfits Gaming and its Overwatch League franchise Florida Mayhem.
Ben Spoont, CEO and Co-founder of Misfits Gaming discussed the venture in a release: “Esports has a global fanbase that is unrivalled in its enthusiasm and passion, but audiences are hindered by the limited quality and availability of licensed apparel from teams and brands. This is especially true in regions like China, where the population of gamers outnumbers the total US population but fans are unable to access official esports merchandise from many of their favourite global brands.
“As a team owner myself, I’ve experienced firsthand the many issues relating to designing, manufacturing, and distributing the apparel that fans are clamouring to purchase. Outerstuff’s global operations (including its retail channels in Asia and four other continents) and experience creating and distributing official apparel for the NFL, NBA, and other traditional sports leagues bring critical industry-leading expertise across the entire apparel value chain.”
Day-to-day operations of the joint venture’s business will be managed by Outerstuff, who will also oversee apparel design, sales, marketing, and distribution. To support this venture and partnership, Outerstuff has also made a strategic equity investment in Misfits Gaming.
Sol Werdiger, Founder and CEO of Outerstuff added: “Given the strong engagement and unparalleled growth of young, gamer audiences globally, esports has long been the logical next step in Outerstuff’s expansion plans. We’ve been strategic about identifying the right partner to help us navigate the industry and work with brands hungry for access to global distribution channels for licensed esports youth apparel. Misfits Gaming’s partnership in this collaboration — supported by an equity investment from our side — provides the joint venture with credible leadership, unique insights, and a high-value network in the dynamic esports market.”
Misfits Gaming is also partnered with Franklin Group, Milk It!, Miami Heat, Alienware, Twitch, Vertagear, and Hollywood.com.
Esports Insider says: Similar to traditional sports, team jerseys are a big part of teams’ identity within esports. It’s great to see that Misfits Gaming is committed to making its apparel accessible to fans all around the world. With Outerstuff’s experience of distribution through sports leagues like NFL, it appears as if the venture is in good hands.
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