Earlier this year, Nike partnered with China’s most popular esports league -- the League of Legends Pro League (LPL). Now the American apparel giant has unveiled the official jerseys it made for LPL teams.
League of Legends has a huge following in China. Last year’s League of Legends World Championship attracted more viewers in China than the Super Bowl did in the US. So it makes sense that Nike wants to be part of the esports-mania currently sweeping China.
The LPL has grown over the years to become a franchise-style tournament, not unlike the NBA in the US. A franchise slot is estimated to cost a minimum of US$11.63 million, and top teams are reportedly valued at US$180 million. Team owners are often notable Chinese companies such as Bilibili, JD, Suning and Li-Ning.