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T-Mobile ‘merger’ with Houston Overwatch franchise ensures long-term success

By Derek Helling

ANAHEIM, CA - November 4: Canada and South Korea compete during the Overwatch World Cup Final at BlizzCon 2017 at Anaheim Convention Center on November 3, 2017 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - November 4: Canada and South Korea compete during the Overwatch World Cup Final at BlizzCon 2017 at Anaheim Convention Center on November 3, 2017 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images) /
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The Overwatch League franchise based in Houston has its first corporate sponsor, and it’s one that will give the franchise the resources to be successful for years to come.

While the Federal Trade Commission reviews a proposed merger between Sprint and T-Mobile, T-Mobile has already closed another deal that required no governmental approval. The “uncarrier” has become the first sponsor of the Houston Outlaws, increasing the value of the Overwatch League franchise by a large margin.

The first thing of note for Overwatch League fans are benefits that will be available for T-Mobile customers, which if the merger with Sprint is approved, will grow to millions of people. According to a press release from the Outlaws, T-Mobile customers will get perks like VIP seating at competitions and exclusive discounts.

T-Mobile will also help fans get to know their favorite Overwatch League team better by providing the “pink light” to a new series of videos aimed at giving fans more access to team members and the goings on of the franchise. There is an obvious benefit for the franchise to increased media exposure, which is the potential to garner more fans as Blizzard’s Overwatch League continues to grow. Other benefits to both fans and the Outlaws may not be as obvious but are nonetheless real.

The dollar amount of the sponsorship was not disclosed, but it’s safe to say that there will be some cash provisions in the contract. Like any other entertainment venture, an Overwatch League franchise requires capital to operate. Furthering the need for capital is the Outlaws’ need to attract and retain the best talent in order to assure success in the league. The new revenue stream helps guarantee that the Outlaws will not only be around for years to come, but will be competitive as well.

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For Outlaws fans, this news means they can expect more victories to come the way of their favorite Overwatch League team. T-Mobile has become the first sponsor, but if the Outlaws can demonstrate how they return value to T-Mobile, they certainly won’t be the last.