• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 11, 2025

Esports Teams Experienced Social Growth With Live Sports Stoppage

  • FaZe Clan has the biggest social media audience with nearly 15 million followers.
  • Rappers like Ugly God, Lil Yachty and Migos are affiliated with FaZe Clan.
esports
Jasen Vinlove/USA TODAY Sports

Esports thrived in the digital-first environment that emerged as the pandemic halted live sports. Even as leagues have returned to action, the boost has allowed esports teams to aggressively grow their audiences across social media.

Esports organizations have been using social media in the pandemic era to not only drive engagement, but also generate ad revenue from live streams and online league matches. Even before the pandemic, esports’ digital ad revenue grew 23%, or $175 million, in 2019, showing the demand for esports, as well as  the large-scale acceptance of the sport, according to eMarketer. It is likely to grow by 12% this year.

FaZe Clan, a multi-million dollar American esports organization and media company, had the biggest audience across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as of August, with almost 15 million followers, according to Shareablee. The team has been partnering with many pro athletes like Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons as a content creator under the name “FaZe Simmo,” Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster or “FaZe Juju,” and Miami Heat player Meyers Leonard or “FaZe Hammer.” 

Along with that, LeBron James’ son, 15-year-old LeBron “Bronny” James Jr., has also joined the organization as a content creator. Rappers Ugly God and Lil Yachty are also affiliated with FaZe Clan, while Migos member Offset is an investor. The organization has over 40 streamers on its roster, as well as competitive teams in Counter Strike: Global Offensive, Call of Duty League, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, FIFA and Fortnite.

In addition to FaZe Clan, NRG Esports — which has almost 2 million followers across social media — recently partnered with digital media company Shots Studios. In the deal, Shots Studios will assist NRG in content production and merchandising.

Astralis, a Danish esports organization, whose audience size is only 900,000 across all platforms, recently announced it was merging all of its teams into a singular brand to have a bigger social media presence and compete with FaZe Clan.

The move will see Origen LEC team and the Future FC FIFA roster move under the Astralis banner alongside its Counter-Strike: Global Offensive team.

“Through the merger of all activities and our team brands, we position ourselves as a leading organization in international esports,” said Anders Hørsholt, chief executive officer of Astralis Group. “Digitally, physically and team wise, all our future activities will be done in the Astralis name and based upon the same values that characterize the organization.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
Jun 27, 2025; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks first overall pick Cooper Flagg speaks to the media during a press conference at the Dallas Mavericks Practice Facility.

Cooper Flagg–Bronny James Summer League Tickets Average $201

The average purchase price on resale platform TickPick is $201.

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.

Featured Today

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 4, 2025

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.
July 3, 2025

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
June 29, 2025

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.

Thunder Favored, but Bettors Backing Pacers Big in NBA Finals

The most bet-on exact series outcome is the Thunder winning in five.
Fanduel
March 4, 2025

FanDuel Retains Sports Betting Crown With $14B in 2024 Revenue

The FanDuel parent company posts big increases in revenue and net income.
May 8, 2025

FanDuel Misses Projections As Betting Favorites Dominate 

FanDuel is hit by customer-friendly betting outcomes during March Madness.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
February 20, 2025

Americans Bet $148 Billion on Sports in 2024, Up 23.6%

Both overall handle and revenue rose by more than 20% last year.
DraftKings app
February 14, 2025

Lawsuit Says DraftKings VIP Program ‘Preyed On’ Gambling Addicts

The company’s being sued for negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
August 20, 2024

Beloved ‘Backyard Sports’ Brand Says It Will Relaunch After Decade Hiatus

“Backyard Baseball” was a turn-of-the-century computer hit. 
DraftKings
August 2, 2024

DraftKings Announces Consumer Tax Starting Next Year

The company’s stock fell 5% Friday morning.