Deal marks first between NBA 2K outfit and a non-US sports team. Magic Gaming, the NBA 2K League esports team of the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Orlando Magic, has partnered with French soccer club AS Monaco. The agreement sees an NBA 2K League team join forces with a non-US professional sports team for the first time. As part of the deal, the pair will work alongside each other to grow the two sporting brands on social media, while also offering giveaways and experiences to fans. Jean-Philippe Dubois, head of digital at AS Monaco, said: “By launching this esport partnership with a club as prestigious as the Orlando Magic, AS Monaco is looking to seize the opportunity to develop its image in North America and to create innovative content and activations for our respective fans.” Michael Forde, chief sales officer at the Orlando Magic, added: “This also provides a great opportunity for both organisations to expand their international reach. It truly is a win-win.” The deal with the 2016/17 Ligue 1 champions is the latest in a string of deals signed by the Orlando Magic’s esports team. In June, Magic Gaming became the sixth NBA 2K League to partner with HyperX as its official gaming peripherals partner. The partnership is also the latest in a line of deals signed by the French club, with the Monaco’s esports arm having signed a contract early in August with the eFootball.Pro esports competition, the Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) tournament set up by Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué.
Ligue 1 side AS Monaco has entered into a partnership with Magic Gaming, the esports team of the National Basketball Association's Orlando Magic. The two teams will work together on online promotions and social media initiatives. Magic Gaming competes in the popular basketball gaming title NBA 2K. Monaco has its own esports arm and recently agreed to compete in the eFootball. Magic Gaming is one of several French companies that have partnered up with the NBA.