The famous L.A. LIVE and Staples Center entertainment venues may very well be the host of Immortals' Overwatch League home games in the future, in light of entertainment giant AEG's announced investment into the esport franchise.
ICYMI we announced a new investor today. Everyone meet @AEGworldwide. AEG, this is everyone! Learn more here: https://t.co/8l8L6mb8m2 pic.twitter.com/I2qwBYdhNh
— Immortals (@Immortals) June 21, 2017
Dan Beckerman, President and CEO of AEG, had this to say in the announcement:
Expanding our interests in esports is a natural progression as we continue to invest in growth initiatives that further our leadership in sports and live entertainment. L.A. LIVE offers state-of-the-art venues, production facilities and an unparalleled fan experience, and we have ambitious plans for the campus to become the epicenter of esports in Los Angeles.
Immortal's ownership group now includes:
- AEG
- Clinton Foy, Managing Director of Crosscut Ventures and Chairman of Immortals
- Noah Whinston, Immortals CEO
- Steve Kaplan, Memphis Grizzlies co-owner
- Lionsgate
- Peter Levin, Lionsgate President of Interactive Ventures & Games
- Michael Milken, 'former financier and philanthropist'
- Gregory Milken, Managing Director of March Capital Partners
- Allen DeBevoise, 'Third Wave entrepreneur'
- Brad Jones, Redpoint Ventures partner
- Greg Deutsch, former SVP and General Counsel at Activision
- Machine Shop
- Greg Bettenelli, Upfront Ventures partner
- Brian Lee, former Honest Company CEO
With this wealth of investors and the ability to hold fixtures in iconic venues, Immortals are likely a top contender for Los Angeles' Overwatch League spot. The Overwatch roster's move to a South Californian team house appears to be further evidence of this. However, the organisation does have a wealth of other esports rosters under its wing, including League of Legends and Counter-Strike Global Offensive Teams.
Whilst speculation surrounding the Los Angeles Overwatch League spot will remain guesswork for the time being, Immortals are clearly invested into competitive Overwatch, especially given their recent acquisition of ex-Rhinos Gaming Wings player envy.