
Could China’s LPL become Nike’s first sponsored esports league?
Move comes after Chinese star Uzi became the first esports athlete featured in a Nike ad
If there’s still any debate as to whether esports is a real sport, one of the biggest names in athletic apparel might have put it to rest. Nike is apparently negotiating a sponsorship deal for China’s League of Legends Pro League (LPL).

League of Legends, the esports giant
But he also praised LPL at the same time, “Such a big deal is expected for the number one region in the world”.
We reached out to Riot Games, the developer of League of Legends, and will update the story when we hear back.
Even if the deal does materialize, Nike won’t be LPL’s first Western sponsor. They've partnered with Mercedes-Benz, Doritos, Intel, HP, L’Oreal and KFC in the past.
Some esports fans are wondering why esports leagues in the West don’t have the same luck.
A Nike deal with LPL wouldn’t be entirely out of the blue.

Uzi, the Shaquille O'Neal of Chinese esports

League of Legends World Championship returns to China in 2020
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For more insights into China tech, sign up for our tech newsletters, subscribe to our Inside China Tech podcast, and download the comprehensive 2019 China Internet Report. Also roam China Tech City, an award-winning interactive digital map at our sister site Abacus.
