Version1 will shutter its esports operations and brand as part of a new “strategic partnership” with G2 Esports, but the move will not signal the exit of the Wilf family from esports. The Wilfs, which own Version1 (along with the Vikings and Orlando City on the stick-and-ball side), will become shareholders in G2 and “intend to invest further in G2 in a future fundraising round,” Version1 COO Brett Diamond tells SBJ. Operating rights for the Version1-owned Minnesota Rokkr, which play in the Microsoft-owned Call of Duty League, will shift over to G2 Esports. Financial terms for the deal were not available at presstime. This is a key step for U.S. operations for Berlin-based G2, which has been looking at adding an American footprint to its business endeavors for the past two years. There also is the possible addition of offices in N.Y.
This esports transaction is the latest by a stick-and-ball team owner. The Kroenke family shuttered its esports operations, while the Kraft Family has given up operational control to Oxygen Esports and are now investors there.
