[Source: PR Newswire] Bally’s Corporation, a leading U.S. provider of land-based gaming and interactive entertainment, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Monkey Knife Fight (MKF), the award-winning, fastest-growing[1] gaming platform and third-largest daily fantasy sports (DFS) operator in North America. The all-stock transaction makes Bally’s just the third sports betting company in the U.S. to have a fantasy sports segment. In 2020, MKF, which offers its loyal users a dynamic and creative slate of daily sports and e-sports contests, was ranked by SponsorUnited as the sixth most-searched and tenth fastest-growing brand in sports and entertainment.
Bally’s acquisition of MKF is the latest step in the company’s long-term growth and diversification strategy to become the first truly vertically integrated sports betting and iGaming company in the U.S. with a B2B2C business model. Importantly, it complements Bally’s recent media partnership with Sinclair Broadcast Group and its pending acquisition of Bet.Works, including its proprietary technology stack.
“With this acquisition, we are pleased to enter into the high-growth DFS market. Monkey Knife Fight is a unique asset that we look forward to incorporating into Bally’s constantly growing omnichannel portfolio of land-based casinos and iGaming platforms,” said George Papanier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bally’s Corporation. “As with all of the properties and services that fall under the iconic Bally’s brand, we are committed to providing a best-in-class DFS platform to sports fans around the country.”
With approximately 180,000 registered users and 80,000 depositing players, MKF’s distinctive, user-friendly gaming platform will become an integral component of the “Bally’s Interactive” division, as well as contribute to Bally’s growing player database. MKF will support Bally’s plans to develop a potential sports bettors database in states such as California, Florida and Texas, which are expected to account for 20-25% of U.S. sports betting revenues (according to Wall Street analyst research estimates). It will also enable Bally’s to build a player database in Canada, a market that is expected to authorize sports betting in the near future. In addition, the acquisition will lead to Bally’s developing new and engaging content with MKF for its customers.
Papanier continued, “The MKF acquisition will allow Bally’s to leverage both its current customer database as well as DFS’s collection of depositing players. These assets will also provide Bally’s with a significant advantage in launching its own B2C sports betting operations.”
Additionally, Bally’s intends to combine MKF’s expansive geographic presence, which spans 37 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada, with Sinclair’s significant media footprint, including its portfolio of 21 regional sports networks, to engage sports fans across the U.S by providing unique DFS offerings.
“Since our inception, we have distinguished ourselves from competitors by providing the best experiences for our valued players, forming strategic partnerships with teams, ownership groups and players unions, and acquiring strategic assets to bolster our position in the market,” said Bill Asher, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Monkey Knife Fight. “I am immensely proud of all we have accomplished over the past three years at MKF and am confident that the talented Bally’s team has what it takes to continue to grow and develop what is already a great business.”
As part of the acquisition, MKF is set to receive immediately exercisable penny warrants to purchase up to approximately $50 million in Bally’s common shares (subject to adjustment) at closing, and (2) contingent penny warrants to purchase up to approximately $20 million in additional Bally’s common shares on each of the first and second anniversaries of closing, for a possible total of up to approximately $40 million. The contingency relates to MKF’s continued operations in jurisdictions in which it operates at closing. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2021, subject to customary closing conditions.
Tag: esports
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Bally’s Corporation acquires Monkey Knife Fight
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International Olympic Committee makes landmark move into virtual sports by announcing first-ever Olympic Virtual Series
[Source: IOC] The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will partner with five International Sports Federations (IFs) and game publishers to produce the Olympic Virtual Series (OVS), the first-ever, Olympic-licensed event for physical and non-physical virtual sports.
Taking place ahead of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, the OVS will begin on 13 May, continuing through to 23 June 2021. The Olympic Virtual Series will mobilise virtual sport, esports and gaming enthusiasts all around the world in order to reach new Olympic audiences, while also encouraging the development of physical and non-physical forms of sports in line with the recommendations of the IOC’s Olympic Agenda 2020+5.
IOC President Thomas Bach said: “The Olympic Virtual Series is a new, unique Olympic digital experience that aims to grow direct engagement with new audiences in the field of virtual sports. Its conception is in line with Olympic Agenda 2020+5 and the IOC’s Digital Strategy. It encourages sports participation and promotes the Olympic values, with a special focus on youth.”
David Lappartient, Chair of the IOC’s Esports and Gaming Liaison Group (ELG), and President of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), said: “On behalf of the ELG, as well as the UCI, I am delighted to be involved in the launch of the first-ever Olympic Virtual Series. A number of IFs have well established virtual sports initiatives; and thanks to the cooperation between the IOC, the IFs and the publishers, the OVS is an exciting step forward for the virtual sports world and the Olympic Movement”.
The following International Federations and gaming publishers will be part of the Olympic Virtual Series:
– World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) – eBaseball Powerful Pro Baseball 2020, Konami Digital Entertainment
– Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) – Zwift, Zwift inc.
– World Rowing – Open format
– World Sailing – Virtual Regatta, Virtual Regatta SAS
– Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) – Gran Turismo, Polyphony Digital
The OVS creates a stage to connect the physical sporting world with the virtual and simulation sports gaming community, providing an opportunity to engage with the Olympic Movement. Each IF will offer its corresponding event in a format that maximises online mass participation and prioritises inclusivity and participation through the OVS. The mass-participation Series allows participants around the world to compete from home or their training facilities in order to generate excitement in the build-up to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.
All five OVS events will differ in form and concept, and will operate via the sport’s respective publisher platform where participants will be able to take part. Fans will have the opportunity to engage and follow the events on the Olympic Channel. Additional information on how to participate, as well as prizes included with select events, will be announced soon. Information will also be available online at www.olympicchannel.com
In line with Recommendation 9 of Olympic Agenda 2020+5, which states “Encourage the development of virtual sports and further engage with video gaming communities”, the launch of the first-ever OVS supports the IOC’s Digital Strategy and aims to leverage the growing popularity of virtual sport to promote the Olympic Movement, Olympic values and sports participation and grow direct relations with young people. It supports the IFs in further establishing virtual and simulated forms of sports as a discipline within their regulations and strategies. Building on the success of their respective events, both the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), along with other International Federations such as the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and World Taekwondo (WT) have confirmed their excitement and commitment to exploring inclusion in future editions of the OVS. -
Global Esports Games headed to Singapore, Istanbul, and Riyadh
[Source: Global Esports Federation (GEF)] Launching a runway into worldwide expansion, the Global Esports Federation Board today unveils the first three host cities for its premier flagship event: Singapore 2021, Istanbul 2022 and Riyadh 2023.
The Global Esports Games, held each year in December, will convene the world in a celebration of esports, virtual sport, music and entertainment. The GEG will feature teams from across the world participating in multi-title esports competitions and active esports.
In parallel, GEFcon, a global convention of thought leaders, and the GEFestival, a dynamic celebration of inclusive esports culture highlighting music, art, technology, fashion, food and much more, promise to add to the diverse, immersive and world-class program.
“The Global Esports Games has drawn overwhelming interest. We have undergone a rigorous selection process,” said Chris Chan, President, Global Esports Federation, “Now the work and creativity truly begin as we set the stage for the world’s esports athletes and players to shine.”
“The first Global Esports Games to be held in December this year will provide the opportunity to showcase esports to the world”, said Ng Chong Geng, President, Singapore Esports Association (SGEA). “We are grateful to have the opportunity to host this truly historic event”.
Co-Chairs of the Coordination Commission for the Global Esports Games, Angela Ruggiero and Luzeng Song, noted that appointing the right host cities is a key to success. “We will lend our support and guidance so the host cities can unleash their full potential,” Ruggiero said, “and so the incredible untold stories of the power of esports – and sport as the future of entertainment – can be unlocked, too.”
Paul J. Foster, Chief Executive Officer, Global Esports Federation, said the energy, skill and passion of esports, and the technologies that drive it, are captured in the GEF motto: #worldconnected. Carrying that forward to the Global Esports Games, he said, “We have listened to the athletes and players, the incredible publishers and developers, and the wider community to create a platform for athletes to shine, representing countries and territories as in other prestigious multi-sport competitions.” -
Global Esports Tour heads to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
[Source: Global Esports Federation]
The Global Esports Tour heads to Riyadh, hot on the heels of the first event held in Los Angeles last month. Convened by the Global Esports Federation and hosted by the Saudi Esports Federation, as live audiences return to events across the world. The GET Riyadh goes live from Sunday 24 – Tuesday, 26 October 2021 and will be battled out on PUBG MOBILE, one of the world’s most popular esports titles with over 1 billion total downloads worldwide.
The GET Riyadh will see 16 of the finest PUBG MOBILE pro-teams compete for a prize pool of US$150,000. High profile teams competing in Riyadh include Russia-based Virtus.pro, Saudi’s Rico Infinity Esports, Nepal’s DRS Gaming (Da Real Soldiers) and T2K, Morocco’s Cryptics, and Jordan’s FATE Esports, in a truly global line-up.
“The Global Esports Tour underscores the true energy of our #worldconnected motto. From LA – one of the global centers for entertainment, we head to the Middle East – one of the fastest-growing esports regions on the planet, Saudi Arabia. We are proud to join our host and GEF Board Member HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, and we look forward to connecting with players and fans in Riyadh,” said Paul J. Foster, CEO of the GEF.
“Riyadh is pleased to host the Global Esports Tour, which will be a prominent part of our annual calendar of esports events. The Global Esports Federation has been a valuable partner to us, and we are delighted to bring this event to our nation’s capital, Riyadh. Esports continues to flourish around the world, and we are excited about the opportunity to host and organize tournaments that connect, excite, and engage the community,” said HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, President of the Saudi Esports Federation.
Joining the pro-team line-up and providing their expert commentary and analysis at the GET Riyadh will be British esports commentator and analyst, Jake “Highland Wolf” Hannett; as well as esports caster, analyst and coach, Joshua “Professor Tarzan” Chan. They will be joined by Arabic casters and gaming video creators Abdulaziz “Henky” Almuhanna and Tariq “K0de” Khtatneh.
The broadcast kicks off at 4.00pm (Riyadh) daily, from Sunday, October 24, 2021, till Tuesday, October 26, 2021. Broadcast channels:
? Global Esports Federation Twitch Channel
? Global Esports Federation YouTube Channel -
Istanbul to host second Global Esports Games
[Source: Global Esports Federation] The Global Esports Federation celebrates the final months of 2021 with a host of activities, charting numerous firsts for the organization. Excitement among the world’s esports community for the inaugural Global Esports Games kicking off in Singapore on December 17 is at a fever pitch. The inaugural host city prepares to welcome athletes from over 40 countries and territories to compete in person at the historic event in the heart of vibrant Singapore.
Istanbul will host the second edition of the GEF’s flagship event in December 2022. Last week, Paul J. Foster, CEO of the GEF, led a delegation to Istanbul, Turkey to meet with the Mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamo?lu, as well as leaders from Spor Istanbul, the Turkish Esports Federation, and members of the gaming, esports, education, business, and cultural community. The delegations discussed preparatory work, visited venue options, and explored the limitless opportunities for esports in the country.
The Global Esports Federation presenting a Certificate of Designation to the Mayor of Istanbul, naming Istanbul as the Host City for the Global Esports Games 2022. From L-R: Renay Onur, General Manager, Spor Istanbul; Alper Afsin Ozdemir, Founding President, Turkish Esports Federation (TESFED); Ekrem Imamo?lu, Mayor of Istanbul; Paul J. Foster, CEO of the GEF; Ali Kiremitcio?lu, GEF Commission Member; Ramil Aliyev, GEF Board Member; and Rustam Aghasiyev, GEF Director of Global Events.
“For years it has been said that Istanbul stands at the crossroads between Asia and Europe, but it also stands at the very heart of a thriving inclusive youth culture. You literally feel the energy vibrate from within this breathtaking city presenting great opportunities to showcase the future of esports, as we continue to expand our #worldconnected community, said Paul J. Foster, CEO of the GEF. “With a month until the inaugural Singapore 2021 Global Esports Games, we have already started our detailed work with our partners in Turkey. We are proud to welcome Istanbul as host city for the Global Esports Games 2022 as we convene the world’s athletes and players here in a little over a year.”
Interest from the world’s leading cities to host the GEF’s robust event portfolio continues to expand. The GEF Board’s recent decision to call for expressions of interest to host future editions of the Global Esports Games, from 2024 through 2027, has seen unprecedented interest, with nine global cities indicating interest. The GEF’s technical teams are currently assessing the applications, candidacy files, and the GEF Board will select the host cities at the upcoming Board Meeting in Singapore on December 17, 2021.
A delegation from the GEF recently jetted from Los Angeles in September for the first ever Global Esports Tour, to its first live-audience esports tournament in Riyadh in October. The team will continue their journey to Dubai next week for the last stop of the GET this year. Then, the team will lock-focus on the final phase of preparations for the Singapore 2021 Global Esports Games. -
Thrills, hope and the metaverse
Host City: Hi Paul, we’re really looking forward to hearing you speak at Host City 2021. You’ve recently announced the host cities for the next 3 Global Esports Games – what do you think the Games will bring to these cities?
Paul J. Foster: Firstly, thank you for inviting me back to this year’s Host City edition. So much has happened over the last year around the world and for the Global Esports Federation. Our inaugural Global Esports Games is just around the corner and kicks off in Singapore on December 17.
Beyond the obvious thrills of a live esports tournament featuring some of the world’s top teams and players, I hope that the Games will offer a message of hope and optimism in these trying times; that live events are returning and communities can come together again and have fun.
This will be one of the first flagship, international events to be held in Singapore in the last 2 years and I wish for the Global Esports Games to become the benchmark on how a global event can be safely and successfully staged; paving the way for other international events to be held in Singapore come 2022.
We are grateful to Singapore for hosting this first Games. Istanbul 2022 and Riyadh 2023 will also have delegations in Singapore – learning and sharing from the teams.
Host City: We’re really looking forward to hearing you speak at Host City 2021 on 7-8 December. What are you most looking forward to hearing and seeing there?
Paul J. Foster: Thank you and I am excited to be given this opportunity to share my thoughts and learnings over the past year with your audience and communities around the world.
I am really looking forward to tuning in to various panels as they share their thoughts on how we can all move forward successfully.
I am also keen to hear perspectives around the development of the metaverse and how communities are successfully embracing the co-existence of the real and virtual world in the planning and staging of events and viewership
REGISTER FOR HOST CITY 2021 HERE NOW -
Birmingham to host world’s first Commonwealth Esports Championships
[Source: Global Esports Federation] The inaugural Commonwealth Esports Championships and Commonwealth Esports Forum will be staged in Birmingham, England this summer. The Championships is a tangible result of the Strategic Partnership between the Global Esports Federation and the Commonwealth Games Federation, announced in May 2020. The new competition in Birmingham will be supported by the British Esports Association, the not-for-profit national body established in 2016 to promote esports in the UK, increase its level of awareness, improve standards and inspire future talent.
The Commonwealth Esports Championships will take place at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham on August 6-7, 2022. The Commonwealth Esports Forum – a global convention of thought leaders and idea creators – will be held at the same venue in the lead-up to the Commonwealth Esports Championships, on August 5, 2022.
The Commonwealth Esports Championships will feature esports athletes from across the Commonwealth. Renowned multi-genre global titles are in the final stages of confirmation and will be announced shortly. The event is set to feature exciting demonstrations showcasing Active Esports and the powerful technologies that support the convergence of sport and esports.
The Commonwealth Esports Championships was sanctioned by the CGF Executive Board to be held at the same time as the 2022 Commonwealth Games whilst being independent of Birmingham 2022 and its sports programme. The Commonwealth Esports Championships will have separate branding, medals, organisation, and governance, led by the GEF and its community of partners.
Dame Louise Martin, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation said, “I am delighted that we are announcing the first Commonwealth Esports Championships and Commonwealth Esports Forum to take place in Birmingham this summer. Esports is continuing to grow dramatically in terms of popularity and participation, particularly amongst young people, and we are continuing to look at ways to explore how it can align with the Commonwealth Sports Movement. Commonwealth Esports Championships provides an excellent opportunity to pilot esports close to the Commonwealth Games. This will allow us to review the long-term relationship between the Commonwealth Games and esports as we continue to evolve and explore future editions of our event and what they could look like. I would like to thank the Global Esports Federation for their partnership with this exciting event, including the British Esports Association and the Business and Tourism Programme, who will help us bring this concept to life.”
“We are proud to establish yet another first for the world’s esports community. The inaugural Commonwealth Esports Championships comes hot on the heels of the first-ever Singapore 2021 Global Esports Games staged in December 2021, capturing more than 500 million views from around the world. The Commonwealth Esports Championships offers our community another exciting event in the global esports calendar. We look forward to welcoming the esports community to Birmingham in August,” said Chris Chan, President of the Global Esports Federation.
The event is supported by the Business and Tourism Programme (BATP), which aims to maximise the economic legacy of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, as well as the regional economic development agency, the West Midlands Growth Company, which drives long-term tourism, investment, and major events into the region.
Exploring esports is one of the recommendations outlined in the new Commonwealth Sport 2026/30 Strategic Roadmap. The aspiration is that the innovative inaugural event will engage new audiences, showcase the digital and gaming credentials of the West Midlands and enable the Commonwealth Sport Movement to further explore the impact and potential of esports as part of the roadmap. -
Global Esports Federation welcomes IMG as Strategic Partner
[Source: Global Esports Federation] The Global Esports Federation has announced the appointment of IMG, a global leader in sports, fashion, events, and media, as its Strategic Partner. IMG will collaborate with the GEF and its Strategic Partner for Esports Services, FACEIT, to shape the inaugural Commonwealth Esports Championships in Birmingham this August. IMG will also support and provide commercial consultancy for the second edition of the GEF’s Flagship event – the Istanbul 2022 Global Esports Games in December.
IMG will utilize its expertise and global reach to further accelerate the rapid global expansion of the GEF’s esports events portfolio, through the staging of live content, brand creation, event management, marketing, media distribution, and partnership rights management.
“We are proud to welcome IMG to our Global Esports family. This is an important strategic partnership, not only for the GEF and IMG, but for players, fans and brands around the world,” said Lorenzo Giorgetti, Board Member and Chair of the GEF Brand, Marketing, Communications Commission. “We look forward to creating tremendous value for the GEF and our worldwide properties together.”
Paul J. Foster, CEO of the GEF emphasized, “It’s the connection and sharing of our human stories that are unlocking the superpowers of our time. We are proud to collaborate with IMG as we help to unite passionate brands with esports, sport, powerful technology and the Global Esports’ limitless innovation. We have seen the magic that powerful partnerships can create for our community. In our #worldconnected community, we level up our collective strengths and unlock opportunities together. Our worldwide collective of GEF partners shares our optimism for the future and deep commitment to our community, elevating esports on the global stage.”
Richard Wise, SVP, Content and Channels for IMG’s media business, said, “This is an exciting year for the Global Esports Federation and esports in general, and we are delighted to bring our expertise in a wide range of areas to ensure these major events are successful. The world of esports has grown enormously in recent years and these two events will provide outstanding entertainment for fans all over the world.”
In 2021, IMG signed a consultancy partnership with the Global Esports Games Organizing Committee and successfully staged the highly-anticipated inaugural Singapore 2021 Global Esports Games. The first-ever GEG attracted over 500 million accumulated views, including 4.4 million global live views during the two-day live event in Singapore. -
Global Esports Federation and European Olympic Committees form Strategic Partnership
[Source: Global Esports Federation] The Global Esports Federation confirmed a strategic partnership with the European Olympic Committees (EOC). In line with the growing convergence of sport and esports, this partnership will further amplify the GEF’s efforts to promote, expand and develop esports across Europe. The partnership also forms part of the EOC’s initiatives to explore new ways of engaging with young people across the continent.
Europe represents a large number of countries and cultures – each remarkable and unique, and each with its own National Olympic Committee. This partnership presents a powerful opportunity to connect across borders through the GEF’s #worldconnected community.
“The European Olympic Committees looks forward to this strategic partnership with the Global Esports Federation as we explore the significant growth of esports across our European family. Through this partnership we also focus on promoting sport and the Olympic values, while establishing links with all EOC activities and exploring new forms for fan engagement. Europe is one of the growing regions in the development of esports. The partnership with the GEF will help to evolve, build, and shape our strategy around esports,” said Spyros Capralos, President of the European Olympic Committees.
The GEF and the EOC expect to jointly develop new opportunities to make the connection between sport and esports. The European Games, with the third edition in preparation in Kraków-Ma?opolska, Poland 2023, can be a great example that demonstrates the convergence of sport and esports.
“Together, we are committed to expanding esports, creating new modes of entertainment that engage new audiences, and offering inspiring and innovative formats for esports. The success of the recent Commonwealth Esports Championships at Birmingham 2022, demonstrated these opportunities in service to youth and we are looking forward to adding to this through our partnership with the European Olympic Committees,” said Chris Chan, President of the Global Esports Federation. -
Zwift’s virtual Scotland to launch ahead of the 2023 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships
[Source: Zwift] – Zwift, the global online training platform for cyclists, has confirmed plans for its latest world, Scotland. The all-new map is being built specifically for the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships and will take inspiration from the Scottish landscape and the city of Glasgow, which alongside other venues across Scotland will play host to the inaugural 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in August next year. The map will first be made available to ride for Zwifters on stage eight of the Tour de Zwift. This special stage will feature the full course branding of the 2023 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships.
The new world will feature three distinct courses designed to animate the new multi-format UCI Cycling Esports World Championships that will take place on 18th February 2023. Designed to further differentiate Cycling Esports as a cycling discipline, and to further improve fan engagement, the event will feature three short and explosive events – The Punch, The Climb and The Podium.
The new Scotland world builds on Zwift’s status as the Official Virtual Fitness Platform of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, taking place in Glasgow and across Scotland from 3 to 13 August 2023.
This is the first time a virtual destination has been created specifically for a cycling esports competition. The virtual world will act as an extension of the host country of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, Scotland, and the City of Glasgow. The virtual world will further serve the purpose-led vision of defining and demonstrating that Scotland is a key cycling destination for reasons, including being a sustainable way to travel, enjoy leisure time, and find the power of the bike to improve both mental and physical health and wellbeing.
Trudy Lindblade, Chief Executive Officer of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, said:?“Having Zwift take inspiration from Glasgow and Scotland’s awe-inspiring scenery to create its next all-new online map will inspire current and would-be cyclists from around the world to immerse themselves in Scotland’s stunning landscapes.
“By joining forces with Zwift and putting Glasgow and Scotland on the world map in an innovative way, will further strengthen our ambition to reach a global and engaged audience to share our vision about the power of the bike being a catalyst for change.”
The City of Glasgow will also play host to nominated participants where five men and five women will be located as they take part in the 2023 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships, bridging the gap between the real-world physical efforts of the riders and the virtual race. The race broadcast will feature the Glasgow event as a key hybrid feature, further improving on format and fan engagement. Details and ticketing for this event are due to be shared in January 2023
Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, adds: “It is exciting to see Glasgow portrayed in this way, virtually, as a new location within the Scotland World. This course gives the Zwift community across the globe a feel for our city, iconic locations and terrain. Glasgow is keen to be at the forefront of technological innovation within sport and the growth of esports and online cycling platforms broadens the appeal of sports, such as cycling, to a wider audience and, in this instance, introduces them to regions that they may be inspired to visit in the future.”
More information about the new Scotland World on Zwift will be unveiled in early 2023.