NBA legend Michael Jordan, smiles during a NBA game between the Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Clippers. (Photo by Hu Chengwei/Getty Images)
NBA icon Michael Jordan has invested in the esports organization Axiomatic, the parent company of League of Legends’ Team Liquid.
Jordan joins a group of high profile sports owners that is involved with Axiomatic, including Golden State Warriors owner Peter Guber and Washington Wizards owner Ted Leonsis.
The NBA GOAT led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA Championship titles in his 13 seasons with the team. Since then, he’s become a businessman and investor. His Jordan Brand is a subsidiary of Nike, and Jordan has invested in a number of tech startups. This is Jordan’s first investment in the digital sports realm.
“I’m excited to expand my sports equity portfolio through my investment in aXiomatic,” Jordan said in a statement. “Esports is a fast-growing, international industry and I’m glad to partner with this great group of investors.”
Axiomatic also announced another investment this week from Declaration Capital, the family office of David M. Rubenstein, who is the co-founder and executive chairman of private equity company The Carlyle Group. Curtis Polk, the managing partner of Hornets Sports & Entertainment, and manager of Jordan’s financial and business affairs has also invested.
Axiomatic which has interests in esports teams and related companies, said it plans to use its new lineup to strengthen existing partnerships and expand into new opportunities.
“From the beginning of our esports and video gaming journey aXiomatic has sought to bring together world-class talent in its investor group. We are extremely excited to welcome these esteemed investors into the aXiomatic and Team Liquid family and look forward to their valuable and unique perspectives,” said Axiomatic CEO and co-founder, Bruce Stein.
SportTechie Takeaway
More and more traditional sports athletes and owners seem to be diving into the world of digital sports as momentum for esports rockets. Just last week former Miami Heat power forward Chris Bosh announced that he was becoming an advisor and mentor for the esports organization Gen.G. Axiomatic has long sought to use its traditional sports prowess to invest in leading teams and businesses powering the industry’s development. Jordan is the first athlete to join its ranks.
