• Loading stock data...
Sunday, July 13, 2025

Inside the NFL’s New Partnership With ‘Fortnite’

Fortnite - Sports - NFL

With “Fortnite” now boasting well over 50 million players worldwide, the game has become a mainstream hit. Americans have had a similar relationship with the National Football League for decades now.

Last week, the two brands announced a partnership that would allow “Fortnite” players to add the uniform of their favorite NFL team to their avatar after purchasing it from the store.

The partnership should come as no surprise, really. Since the launch of Battle Royale mode, NFL players have expressed their love for the game. Some have even taken to playing competitively in their free time or being an active part of the game’s online community.

Rachel Hoagland, vice president and head of gaming and esports at the NFL, stated that this played a factor in bringing this partnership to fruition.

READ MORE: How You Can Make a Career Out of Video Games

“’Fortnite’ has captured the attention of so many different groups of people. It’s moved well beyond just being a game,” she said. “I think it’s fair to say its popularity among NFL players was a factor in us moving forward with this partnership. There were many others, including its wide reach and global audience, as well as the opportunity for the NFL to be the first branded sports integration in the game.”

Prior to the launch of these skins, NFL teams were putting together activations with Twitch and YouTube content creators. Notably, the Detroit Lions invited Ninja (arguably the most popular name in the space) to a game back in September.

Ninja returned the favor by wearing a Lions uniform on his avatar in his streams when the uniform skins launched. The streamer also bridges the gap between gamers, the NFL, and the two fan bases by appearing on television shows like “NFL Live” every now and then.

“The outfit integration gave us an opportunity to do even more by bringing the popular influencers in early, and amass hours of gameplay previewing the outfits,” Hoagland said.

To build on it, content creator NICKMERCS also played alongside Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans in the NFL’s Ultimate Squad contest stream.

Hoagland can attest that the working relationship between the NFL and Epic Games, the “Fortnite” developer, has been a positive experience. For that reason, look for more from this partnership in the future.

READ MORE: Study Confirms Esports Has Graduated to the Big Leagues

“The Epic team is very creative, collaborative, and more than willing to work with and incorporate our thoughts and ideas,” Hoagland stated. “We are a good complement to each other.”

The skins are not currently available for purchase in the “Fortnite” digital store, as the content available to players regularly rotates. The outfits will reportedly return in the near future.

Who knows, we may even see some additional NFL tie-in content somewhere down the line.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.
Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.
NFL

30 NFL Second-Rounders Still Unsigned With Camps Set to Open

Saturday is the earliest rookie report date for training camp.

Najee Harris Contract Situation Unclear Following Fireworks Injury

The running back signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Chargers in March.

Featured Today

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.
July 9, 2025

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

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
July 6, 2025

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

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 5, 2025

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

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

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.