Coinbase partners with Riot Games Esports

Coinbase has announced a significant expansion of its presence in the esports world through a new partnership with Riot Games. As the new exclusive cryptocurrency exchange and official blockchain technology partner for League of Legends and VALORANT Esports global events, Coinbase will collaborate closely with Riot Games to enhance the fan experience. This partnership will include the development of custom segments and in-game cosmetic rewards to enrich viewers' engagement during competitions.

Shared vision in digital innovation: Coinbase partners with Riot Games Esports across Global League of Legends and VALORANT competitions

The partnership between Coinbase and Riot Games is rooted in a shared vision of innovation and disruption within their respective industries. Both esports and cryptocurrency have established themselves as digital-first communities, driven by passionate individuals who challenge traditional norms. As esports has redefined athleticism, cryptocurrency is reshaping the financial landscape to promote economic freedom. Coinbase and Riot Games, sharing these core values, have formed this strategic partnership to expand their influence across the global esports platforms of League of Legends and VALORANT.

Engaging fans across global competitions

Coinbase will make its debut at the Masters (M2) event in Toronto, Canada, marking the beginning of its engagement with fans through a series of activations across both games' global esports calendars. These events include Masters and Champions on the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT), as well as First Stand, the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), and Worlds for LoL Esports. Activations will span social media, broadcast, and digital campaigns, integrating technology to offer a more immersive fan experience.

Introducing innovative in-game segments

As part of the collaboration, Coinbase will introduce unique in-game segments tailored to each esports title. These include the "Econ Report" for VALORANT Esports and the "Gold Grind" for LoL Esports. Both segments will provide viewers with real-time analysis of each game's in-match currency movements, offering insights into how these dynamics influence team strategies. Additionally, Coinbase will facilitate the distribution of digital rewards, known as “drops,” during events. These drops will include exclusive emotes and icons that fans can redeem, as well as promotions with unique prizes, such as an all-expenses-paid trip to major esports tournaments like the VALORANT Champions Tour or LoL Worlds.

A future of innovation in sports partnerships

The partnership between Coinbase and Riot Games is seen as a catalyst for future innovations in the intersection of esports and blockchain technology. Throughout the season, the collaboration will explore new ways to leverage Web3 technology to deliver insights and enhance the viewing experience. By integrating cryptocurrency and esports in meaningful ways, both companies aim to set new standards in sports partnerships.

Expanding a global presence in sports

Coinbase views this partnership as a strategic opportunity to engage with a global audience of digital natives who are curious about the potential of cryptocurrency. As one of the most trusted platforms for buying, selling, and managing crypto, Coinbase sees esports as a unique avenue to connect with communities that value speed, efficiency, and innovation in financial transactions.

This collaboration adds to Coinbase’s portfolio of sports partnerships, which already includes relationships with esports organization Team Liquid, as well as partnerships across major leagues such as the WNBA and NBA, the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team™, and Borussia Dortmund in Bundesliga.

Looking ahead

With Riot Games’ player-centric philosophy and Coinbase’s mission-driven approach, the partnership aims to create an unparalleled fan experience by combining the dynamic worlds of esports and cryptocurrency.

What Riot Games had to say about the partership

We’re bringing on Coinbase as an official partner of VALORANT and LoL Esports global events, becoming the exclusive cryptocurrency exchange and a blockchain technology partner starting with VCT Masters Toronto, which begins June 7. 

Coinbase will contribute a number of fan-facing enhancements including custom segments, event activations, hospitality promotions, and giveaways for VALORANT and LoL Esports fans, all to be integrated in future events. 

As a digital-first brand, Coinbase has built a strong reputation supporting numerous global sports brands including the NBA and WNBA, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Aston Martin Aramco in Formula One™, and our friends at Team Liquid. We look forward to collaborating together to create deeper fan experiences across LoL and VALORANT Esports for years to come.