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Grizzlies' Kaplan Ups Investment In E-Sports Team Immortals

Grizzlies co-Owner Steve Kaplan has increased his investment in e-sports team Immortals and joined the board, continuing the trend of traditional sports owners investing in competitive video gaming. Kaplan, part of the seed investment round for Immortals in '15, re-upped during the team’s ongoing Series A round. He will become the fourth voting member of the Immortals board, joining Noah Whinston, Clinton Foy and Gregory Milken. The Series A round has not yet closed.

Foy said Kaplan’s enthusiasm grew over the past year as he saw engagement statistics and as his fellow sports teams owners made e-sports deals. “He decided not to just double down, but make a serious investment into e-sports,” Foy said. Kaplan’s secondary investment comes one day after a group led by Wizards Owner Ted Leonsis and Warriors co-Owner Peter Guber acquired Team Liquid.

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