Misfits is a rising e-sports organisation based in Miami with players in many different games: League Of Legends, Super Smash Bros, Overwatch, Hearthstone and Heroes of the Storm. And it looks like they are now the next e-sports team to get a bit more investment from traditional sports franchises following Team Dignitas being bought by the Phlidelphia’s 76ers.
The deal not only means that the NBA franchise now owns a stake in Misfits, but it will also help in management and promotional efforts, including cross-promotional between the two brands.
While many might know Misfits for their League team, their Overwatch team is the one to watch. Currently they have won 2 major tournaments in 2016 (the Overwatch Open and Dreamhack Winter) by playing their own brand of Overwatch, even if it means not following the current meta. A recent three-way swap between Misfits, Rogue and Luminosity Gaming has now made the Misfits Overwatch lineup an all-Swedish team.
Investments and partnerships like this will help the growth of e-sports, especially when it comes to promoting videogames can be a spectator sport to traditional sports goers. The movement only comes from the US for now, but we will see if any other sports team across the globe grabbing this opportunity.