Professional NBA player Kevin Durant has invested in New York-based esports organisation Andbox, in a deal that is set to see the athlete help raise brand awareness for the org and its owned teams (Overwatch League's New York Excelsior and the Call of Duty League's New York Subliners).
The investment comes from Durant's investment firm Thirty Five Ventures, a business he runs with agent Rich Kleiman. The deal, which no financial details have been disclosed for, will see the firm and the esports organisation work together to collaborate for online and live tournaments and events, as well as producing custom merchandise, as Forbes reports.
Durant recently tweeted, commenting on the investment, saying, "Proud to announce our newest investment in @andbox_official @subliners to continue the growth of esports in New York and beyond."
Sports and esports are crossing over more frequently than ever, so this is more than likely not the last time we'll have an athlete investing in the esports industry.