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Could China’s LPL become Nike’s first sponsored esports league?

Move comes after Chinese star Uzi became the first esports athlete featured in a Nike ad

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Could China’s LPL become Nike’s first sponsored esports league?
This article originally appeared on ABACUS

If there’s still any debate as to whether esports is a real sport, one of the biggest names in athletic apparel might have put it to rest. Nike is apparently negotiating a sponsorship deal for China’s League of Legends Pro League (LPL).

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The potential deal was first reported by Chinese media Lazy Bear Sports and later confirmed by The Esports Observer. If true, the agreement -- which would allow Nike to sponsor the game day apparel of all LPL players, coaching staff, and team managers -- would mark the US company’s first foray into sponsoring an esports league.
Gamers are excited. A Reddit user wrote, “We sports now boys!”
This is what a Nike-sponsored esports jersey could look like. (Picture: Weibo/Lazy Bear Sports)
This is what a Nike-sponsored esports jersey could look like. (Picture: Weibo/Lazy Bear Sports)
Esports fans from other League of Legends regional leagues are green with envy. Esports-pro-turned-commentator Cloudtemplar from the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) said, “The LCK is so f***ing jealous.”

League of Legends, the esports giant

But he also praised LPL at the same time, “Such a big deal is expected for the number one region in the world”.

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