
In a surprise announcement, esports organization and self-proclaimed gaming and lifestyle brand FaZe Clan has partnered with popular football club Manchester City, according to a press release.
The release states that the pair will be collaborating on content together and will work on bridging the gap between their respective fanbases.Â
This isn’t Manchester City’s first foray into esports. The club sponsors two FIFA players, Kai “deto” Wollin and Shaun “xShellzz” Springette. In addition, the club will reportedly be producing an esports show, highlighting some of the best moments and players in the FIFA scene.Â
As for FaZe, this definitely isn’t the esports organization’s first push into more traditional avenues. The organization is partnered with Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster and rapper Lil Yachty.
FaZe Clan Fortnite pro Nate Hill is also a massive Manchester City fan, according to the release.Â
Lately it seems like FaZe Clan is everywhere, whether for better or worse. They recently signed Marcelo “coldzera” David to their already star-studded Counter Strike: Global Offensive roster, and have made massive waves in smash hit battle royale gameFortnite.Â
They haven’t been without controversy, though. A bitter public contract dispute has emerged between Turner “Tfue” Tenney and FaZe Clan, and further questions around FaZe were raised through that dispute.
Despite all the backlash to the Tfue incident, there’s no doubting FaZe Clan that is a premiere esports organization. They’ve paved the way for other such organizations to seek additional profitability through culture, merchandising, and relentless attitude.Â
The Manchester City partnership is the latest move to capture an ever-expanding chunk of the esports market, and could potentially be a jump-off point for a FIFA expansion, especially considering the organization has some extra money to play with after declining to buy into Call of Duty’s newly franchised league structure.
FaZe Clan clearly likes to do things big, though there’s not yet any telling what will come of a partnership with one of the world’s biggest football clubs.
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