The Pittsburgh Steelers, with their illustrious history as six-time Super Bowl champions, are iconic in traditional sports. However, what might surprise many is their behind-the-scenes involvement in the rapidly growing world of esports.
ESPN
Former Steelers owner Dan Rooney (right) along side Head Coach Mike Tomlin (middle) and former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (left) after a victorious Super Bowl XLIII.
While the Steelers may not have made a groundbreaking financial commitment, their connection with the Pittsburgh Knights demonstrates their keen interest in competitive gaming. The Pittsburgh Knights are an esports team founded by locals James O’Connor and Rob Lee Ly-Stewart.
The Knights compete in eight different games, excluding Counter-Strike 2—a perfect opportunity to not only play, but also to sell cs2 skins—Overwatch, and League of Legends. The latter two are franchised leagues that significantly drive asset value in the esports industry.
The Games They Play: Pittsburgh Knights and Pittsburgh Steelers
Esports, short for electronic sports, is a global phenomenon, captivating millions of fans and generating substantial revenue. Traditionally, when thinking of sports clubs venturing into esports, the Pittsburgh Steelers may not be the first to come to mind. Yet, quietly and effectively, a 12-person esports operation collaborates with Steelers staff at the team's headquarters, fusing two seemingly disparate worlds.
The Steelers' foray into esports stems from their decision to acquire a minority stake in the Pittsburgh Knights. This strategic move has paved the way for a symbiotic relationship, where the Knights receive daily guidance and support from Steelers staff on various facets of their operation. Merchandising, apparel, sponsorship sales, and marketing are all areas where the Knights benefit from the experience and infrastructure the Steelers bring to the table.
The Steelers' interest in esports transcends the size of the financial deal. According to Omar Khan, the general manager for the Steelers, the partnership with the Knights is a means to cultivate the esports scene in Pittsburgh, and gather valuable insights into potential future fans.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Omar Khan has thrived since taking over as the team's general manager in 2022.
The collaboration between the Steelers and the Knights has proven beneficial on multiple fronts. Beyond the realm of gaming, the Knights' business operations have seen a positive impact from the Steelers' involvement.
James O’Connor received a call from an insurance broker with ties to the Steelers, extending assistance on workers’ compensation and other insurance needs. This exemplifies the broader network effect facilitated by the Steelers, where established connections open doors for mutual benefit.
Additionally, regular meetings between O’Connor and Bob Denove, the former managing partner of Deloitte’s Pittsburgh office, underscore the strategic financial planning involved in the partnership. Discussions revolve around financial projections and overarching strategies, shedding light on the meticulous approach both parties take in navigating the complex world of esports business.
Embracing the Future: A Forward-Thinking Approach to Esports
The Steelers' interest in esports goes beyond the immediate gains from their stake in the Knights. It is a forward-thinking approach, recognizing the cultural shift in entertainment consumption and the increasing influence of esports. As traditional sports teams grapple with engaging younger audiences, esports presents an opportunity to connect with a demographic that may not be as enthralled by traditional sports.
Moreover, the partnership allows the Steelers to tap into the vast data reservoir that esports provides. The digital nature of esports allows for comprehensive data collection, offering insights into fan behavior, preferences, and engagement patterns. This data-driven approach is a strategic move by the Steelers to not only bolster the Knights' operations but also to enhance their understanding of a market that is continually evolving.
Steelers.com
As esports continues its ascent into mainstream entertainment, collaborations like these bridge the gap. They ensure that the legacy of iconic sports franchises like the Pittsburgh Steelers extends seamlessly into the digital arena.
