Royals announce gaming partnership with KC’s premier esports org: We share the same DNA
March 27, 2023 | Startland News Staff
The Kansas City Royals on Monday announced a partnership with one of the fastest-growing esports organizations in North America: the Kansas City Pioneers.
Among the first partnerships of its kind in the MLB, the move represents an opportunity to connect two passionate fan bases — baseball fans and fans of gaming, the Royals said in a partnership announcement.
“We share a lot of the same DNA. A love of competition. A love of our city. And a genuine passion for bringing innovative experiences to our fans,” said Tony Snethen, vice president of brand innovation for the Royals, ahead of the team’s March 30 opening day.
The Pioneers — one of Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2023 — is an entertainment, media and gaming organization. Its players compete in top-tier esports at professional levels in Rocket League, Apex Legends, eNASCAR iRacing with content creators in dozens of other titles.
Click here to learn more about the Kansas City Pioneers.
Members of the KC Pioneers during an April 2022 Pioneers bootcamp at Kauffman Stadium
Mark Josey, Kansas City Pioneers
Last season, the Royals and Pioneers hosted an event at Kauffman Stadium where some of the best esports teams in the world came together to prep for the HALO Championship Series Tournament that took place in Kansas City, according to the Royals. At the time, it was one of the first partnerships between an MLB team and an esports team.
This season, the Royals and the Pioneers will look to build on the success with a Gamer Night activation at the K, Community initiatives, and more, added Mark Josey, CEO of the KC Pioneers.
”Partnering on world-class events, like we did last season, that really connect new experiences to fans of traditional sports and gaming here in the Midwest is very exciting,” said Josey. “Merging new and existing audiences in engaging ways, whether through interacting with streaming content and events or sitting on the first base line, that is truly the future, and we could not be happier to partner with the Royals to help lead the way and cheer us on as the home team.”
Click here to follow the Kansas City Pioneers on Instagram.
Featured Business
2023 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
ShotTracker, NBA champ Klay Thompson set for virtual camp
The Golden State Warriors weren’t the only team elated from its Tuesday night NBA Championship win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Overland Park-based ShotTracker also snagged a win alongside the Warriors’ first championship since 1975, as the wearable tech firm’s recent endorsement deal with Golden State guard Klay Thompson received another coat of varnish. Golden State’s…
Digital Sandbox helps entrepreneurs fight summer slump
With summer knocking at the door, Digital Sandbox KC is taking initiative to provide resources and instruction to keep entrepreneurs engaged and on-point. Digital Sandbox, a proof-of-concept program that expedites area businesses’ projects, will host the third-annual “Summer in the Sand Series” as a way of prompting discussion around relevant topics for entrepreneurs. “The Summer…
Stackify continues global growth ahead of HQ move
Kansas City-based tech firm Stackify is posting a solid year of growth that’s leading it to hop the state line for more office space. Led by CEO Matt Watson, Stackify is moving its headquarters and 15 staff members from Kansas City’s Waldo neighborhood to Leawood, Kan., for larger and swankier offices. Watson said that Stackify…