Professional Ice Hockey player Mitch Marner has joined the ownership group of Canadian organisation OverActive Media.
According to a press release detailing the announcement, Mitch will, “become the latest ambassador and an important part of OverActive’s brand building efforts.”
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OverActive Media operates MAD Lions in Riot Games’ LEC and B Site’s Flashpoint, Toronto Defiant in the Overwatch League, and Toronto Ultra in the Call of Duty League.
Chris Overholt, CEO and President of OverActive Media, spoke on the development in a press release: “With roots in the city of Toronto, our entire organization is thrilled to welcome a hometown hero and hockey superstar like Mitch Marner to our investor family. Mitch’s authenticity within the Call of Duty scene and his interest in growing the esports industry will be such great additions to our fanbase and to each of our franchises.”
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This isn’t the first time that OverActive Media has received investment from a celebrity or other public figure. Last year, Grammy-winning singer Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye also invested in OverActive Media.
Marner commented: “Over the past few months, I’ve live-streamed with several Toronto Ultra players and built some great friendships with the team at OverActive. As a gamer, my investment is an opportunity to join one of the best global esports organizations and to help bridge the gap between hockey fans and esports. I’m looking forward to working with the players and the front office to introduce the Toronto Ultra and Toronto Defiant to a young audience of traditional sport fans.”
Esports Insider says: As the lines between traditional sports and esports continue to blur, it is welcome to see yet another professional athlete invest in the esports industry. Hopefully, with Marner already based in Toronto and familiar with OverActive Media’s Call of Duty franchise, he will become more and more involved in the organisation’s brand-building efforts – rather than being hands-off.
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