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The Philadelphia 76ers have acquired controlling stakes in both Team Dignitas and Team Apex and have merged the two organisations together.
This new super organisation will function under the Team Dignitas name, and will feature all of the remaining teams currently under contract with both teams. This includes the Apex NA LCS team and the Dignitas CS:GO, Overwatch, Heroes of the Storm and Smite teams.
Respected games industry veteran Greg Richardson will serve as the chairman of the new Team Dignitas, with original Dignitas owner and founder Michael O’Dell taking up the role of president. Former Team Apex general manager Michael Slan will serve as the vice president and general manager.
The deal makes the 76ers the first American sports team to properly enter the world of eSports, although NBA players have been on somewhat of an investment spree over the last few months, with many stars getting involved.
The eSports industry is primed for incredible growth and we are thrilled to become an owner of such a storied franchise as Team Dignitas,” said Philadelphia 76ers Managing General Partner Josh Harris. There is a tremendous opportunity to leverage the infrastructure, resources and experience of the Sixers organization to support these exciting teams as they continue to compete at the highest levels across multiple games. We see our entrance into eSports as a natural extension of our expanding interests in traditional sports and entertainment and are confident that our involvement will accelerate the already rapid pace of growth in eSports as a whole.”
This is a landmark day in eSports history and for this franchise,” said Michael O’Dell, General Manager of Team Dignitas. Entering into a partnership with such a strong organization will give us an undeniable advantage in attracting the world’s best players and an opportunity to compete at the highest level. Our connection to the legendary Philadelphia 76ers brand and business organization will be a differentiating factor for Team Dignitas as we enter the next phase of our development.”
