Nike China will become the official apparel and footwear provider for the China-based League of Legends Pro League, the two groups announced Thursday.
Terms of the deal were not announced.
The agreement takes effect this year. As part of the contract, Nike also will use its experience in sports science research to develop customized physical training programs for esports athletes.
"Esports athletes share the same determination and competitive spirit as all athletes: they spend their lives preparing for intense competition, working relentlessly to improve their reflexes, coordination, vision, mentality and teamwork," said Eric Wei, vice president of category marketing at Nike in Greater China, in a news release. "We are very excited to support LPL teams and players with groundbreaking esports game-day gear and training programs that will help unleash their full potential."
LPL, which is mainland China's pro league, has 16 teams that compete to win a spot in the League of Legends World Championships. In 2018, the league's Invictus Gaming Team won the championship.
"Our unprecedented partnership with Nike will enable LPL teams and players to continue to shine on the world stage," said Leo Lin, co-CEO of TJ Sports, which manages and operates the LPL.
--Field Level Media