Chase, the consumer and commercial banking arm of J.P. Morgan, has signed a three-year partnership with the Golden State Warriors‘ NBA 2K League competitors, Warriors Gaming Squad.
The multi-year deal will see the Warriors’ Gaming Squad’s home court feature the Chase brand as well as digital signage around the arena. Additionally, the partnership will also see collaborative video content produced throughout the second season of the NBA 2K League, potentially including a “Before the Game” series that maps out each player’s journey to pro play.
The partnership will also see benefits provided to Chase customers as well as the pro players directly. Chase cardholders will have the opportunity to visit where the Warriors Gaming Squad plays, potentially in the newly constructed Chase Arena which due to have its grand opening on 6 September this year. Those who attend will be able to participate in a “play where the pros play” event and get a look and feel for what it’s like to play in the NBA 2K League. For pro players, Chase will also provide financial literacy sessions to players to assist them as they adjust to and work as pro players.
The NBA 2K League began this week; the opening tournament Tip-Off concluded with 76ers GC taking home $52,500 (~£40,000) with a decisive 70-52 win over Celtics Crossover Gaming. The 2019 NBA 2K League Regular Season is due to kick off on 10 April, and you can keep up with all the action on the official NBA 2K League Twitch.
Esports Insider says: The partnership between the two makes a lot of sense considering the relationship between Chase and the Golden State Warriors themselves. The fact that Chase is also providing players with financial literacy sessions is particularly cool and follows a precedent set in the NBA of providing rookies and early career players with the guidance and knowledge they need to manage their newfound millions. While the scale of money going to pro players is obviously much less, providing that assistance to very young people, often with more money and responsibility than they’re used to is incredibly important for players to building something for themselves during and after their playing days.