NBA Hall of Fame Shaquille O’Neal is the first wave of traditional esports players to participate in esports with an early 2016 investment in NRG Esports, an organization co-founded by Sacramento Kings co-owner Andy Miller. Was part of. As the CEO of the organization. NRG supports Overwatch League, Call of Duty League, and “Rocket League” teams, among other popular game franchises.
Shaq’s game history dates back to at least 1994, when his (un) famous title “Shaq Fu” was released. A sequel to the game crowdfunding has arrived in 2018.
NBA on TNT analyst and prolific business investor spoke with The Washington Post following the recent announcement of a naming rights deal with General Automobile Insurance Services, where O’Neill is a spokesperson. As general insurance NRG.
Namelights deals occur in a series of such esports deals, including a $ 210 million deal reported between TSM and the crypto exchange. Other transactions include transactions between Dignitas and “digital banks” in addition to JDG Gaming and Intel.
O’Neill talked about why he believes in the future of esports and what surprised him most about the industry.
Q: As one of the first well-known athletes to invest in the esports industry in 2016, what do you think about your current investment in NRG?
A: Well, when I make an investment, it’s never because of financial things that can or can’t happen.
I was in California and was spending time with my kids. They said: “Dad, there is an event at Staples Center. [League of Legends Season 3 World Championship].. We want you to take us. “
So I know the people at Staples Center. I’ll call you over there. I said, “Hey, you guys have an event down.” They said, “Yes, there’s this new one called esports, somehow somehow, I’ve never heard of it, so come on.”
So when you get there, it feels like a basketball game. 30,000 little children are screaming. And when I saw these two kids playing on the screen, I asked myself.And [my kids] He said, “This is the future, dad. Esports.” “”
I looked it up. And when I got the opportunity to invest in an esports team, I thought it was right. As you know, especially when it comes to technology, kids decide what happens and what doesn’t.
For example, TikTok. When it first came out, it was the third or fourth in space, as you know, but then the kids did a video on it and started doing this. Well, if you don’t do TikToks, especially when dealing with these brands, they are looking at you sideways. Children really tell a lot.
When I saw 30,000 kids involved in this esports, I knew I had to get involved.
Q: Have you been particularly surprised at how the industry has evolved since you invested in 2016, or have you found it interesting about the development of esports?
A: [lack of player] Longevity definitely surprised me.
You’ve probably seen statistics that most professional esports players last only three to four years. That was amazing.
I notice many of these kids as they just keep playing, keep playing, keep playing, and burn out. And many stars are appearing every day. I went to an esports event, and they named these kids names, and the crowd got hooked. It was actually a fun event.
These are Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Michael Jordan and others.
Q: You believe in esports lifespan. That’s why you first invested in it. How far do you think the industry can go in the sense that one day it could be more popular than the NBA or even more popular than Hollywood movies? What do you think are the benefits of this industry?
A: I know it’s one of the fastest growing industries and it appeals to so many people. Today, both gamers and viewers are growing significantly. That’s why I thought a brand like The General was perfect.
Many people are involved in it now. But you know, I really hope I was an expert who could answer that question. But I know it’s fascinating.
People like it. People like to play. People like to see. Hopefully it will last forever.
Q: Do you think geographically located franchises, like the Overwatch League and Call of Duty League, have the potential to develop relationships between the team and the fan base, as seen in the NBA and NFL? ??
A: Of course. Is there a league that fans want to associate with? It always works. definitely. I think esports will stay here.
A: My favorite video game at the time was probably “NBA Jam”.
Q: Do I have to ask your choices about this season’s NBA Championship?
A: All the big dogs are out, so you can watch two underdogs go to it.
This year was a whimsical and rebound-like year, and we put out all the celebrities because many were injured. There are only two big names left, Giannis [Antetokounmpo] And Chris Paul. But I would like to see Atlanta vs. Phoenix or Phoenix vs. Milwaukee, and a small dog take on a big dog.
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