How can you build a long-term partnership with an esports team?

This is the absolute key - alignment. You both need to understand the goals of the other party, and see if they are aligned. For brands looking to partner with an esports team - this is a sign they know what they are doing. They will not just pitch their team. They will actively listen to your brand and your goals, and their proposal will reflect on it.

Currently? Financial compensation is key. However, I definitely agree that fostering a longer term relationship requires more than a dollar amount. Both parties, and their audiences, will sus out if this engagement was half-baked and gimmicky or truly an investment in the space. We always coach brands to look at their entire approach to gaming and esports when lining up these deals. Consider your entry into the space via esport org sponsorship the first step of many. Gamers are delicate, and brash, however fiercely loyal. If you can show that you have chosen an org to partner with purposefully? Not just a hit and run for a quick nod? The incrementality from solid brand alignment can create a massive ripple effect across the business.

Beside money, here are some other values that are important for good teams - similar brand tonality, long term commitment, creative freedom, trust in their creative process, product collaboration or opportunities to showcase the team in new light. These are all intangibles that will carry the partnership forward.

If you are partnering with an esports brand, chances are you want to reach out to young generation in an authentic way. If that′s the goal - let them cook. Don′t steer what they do, when you partnered with them because they know what to do in the first place. Do your due diligence when selecting the right team, yes. But once you did that, let them take the wheel. That′s kinda what you pay for.

Staying close to each other is a great way to avoid any misunderstandings and miscommunication. You can clearly track your goals, deliverables, and again, good team will pro actively report you the progress on campaigns and deliverables.

Yes! This is also what you pay for when you enter a partnership. The teams success are partially possible thanks to your brand. Use that! This is the moment that fans are passionate about and when they are celebrating the teams and all the brands that supported them on their path. But remember, you win together, you lose together. This is the difference between authentic partnership and riding the horse of success. And the fans will see the brands that were always there for the team.