Esports have been growing at a rapid rate over the past few years. Organizations, events, and leagues have acquired large endorsements from companies like State Farm, Geico, and Nissan, to name a few. Now, Riot Games’ League of Legends Championship Series has acquired another huge patron in Honda, making them the exclusive automotive patron. They will be the second independent patron of the LCS along with State Farm.
Honda and LCS content
Honda’s new partnership with the LCS comes just before the 2019 Summer Split playoffs starting this weekend. You can bet to see their logo all over transitions and backgrounds along with some advertisements with players. Dr. Pepper created a commercial with TSM that plays all throughout Twitch. A Honda one will most likely be on the horizon.
Not a new face
Honda isn’t an entirely new name in the LCS though, or even in esports. They and Team Liquid agreed to a partnership earlier in the year. Honda made videos that took a dive into the players for TL and their journey as competitors. They will now have that opportunity with every team in the LCS. The car manufacturer has been in esports since 2014, and it seems they are excited about enlarging their presence in the scene.
Phil Hruska is the manager of media strategy at American Honda. He stated, “We understand the passion of esports fans and how strongly they support the gaming community, and Honda is fully vested in creating one-of-a-kind, unforgettable experiences for gamers as we launch the next phase of Honda’s endeavor in esports and gaming.”
On the rise
News and exposure have been the trend in esports lately. From Ninja appearing on the cover of ESPN to rapper Drake buying into 100 Thieves to Bugha winning $3 million at the Fortnite World Cup, it seems the medium is hitting its stride. With big names like Honda buying into the business, other large companies will be sure to follow.
