After one year of negotiations, NBA franchise the Philadelphia 76ers acquired controlling stakes in Team Dignitas and Apex becoming the first American sports franchise to operate an eSports team.
The combined organization will see Apex's League of Legends team merge into Dignitas' portfolio which includes Overwatch, Counter Strike: Global Offensive, Smite and Heroes of the Storm squads.
Greg Richardson will serve as Chairman of the new Team Dignitas. Richardson has worked in the gaming industry since the early 1990's and has held executive roles at Eidos, Electronic Arts and BioWare. On the merger, Richardson had this to say, "We intend to build a fan-first team that aspires for excellence in all aspects of the business from attracting premier playing talent to building out merchandising, sponsorships and broadcast rights."
Dignitas' Michael O'Dell will continue to lead the organization as President together with Apex's former General Manager Michael Slan who will serve as Vice President and General Manager. O'Dell has owned the Dignitas organization since 2003 and has drawn respect and accolades from industry insiders.
This is not the first time that Dignitas has made waves in the Overwatch scene. Last August, while the 76ers deal was being negotiated, Dignitas acquired the Creation eSports roster -- then a top-four team in the European region.
Dignitas' Overwatch squad is currently ranked 10th in the GosuGamers power-rankings. They finished last in their group with losses to EnVyUs and Misfits at Gamescom in Cologne. Dignitas face FaZe Sept. 28th at ELEAGUE in Atlanta.
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