ODEE says it's 'a landmark day in eSports', but why did the 76ers buy Team Dignitas? Here's what they had to say

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Usually in press releases you have a couple of paragraphs of often throwaway quotes, but the Philadelphia 76ers/Team Dignitas deal included 600 words worth of interesting comment from seven different people.
So we’ve compiled it into a separate digestible article for you.
 
First off, Team Dignitas founder and general manager Michael “ODEE” O’Dell said: “This is a landmark day in eSports history and for this franchise.
“Entering into a partnership with such a strong organisation will give us an undeniable advantage in attracting the world’s best players and an opportunity to compete at the highest level.
“Our connection to the legendary Philadelphia 76ers brand and business organization will be a differentiating factor for Team Dignitas as we enter the next phase of our development.”
 
Philadelphia 76ers managing general partner and Crystal Palace co-owner Josh Harris, added: “The eSports industry is primed for incredible growth and we are thrilled to become an owner of such a storied franchise as Team Dignitas.
“There is a tremendous opportunity to leverage the infrastructure, resources and experience of the Sixers organisation to support these exciting teams as they continue to compete at the highest levels across multiple games.
“We see our entrance into eSports as a natural extension of our expanding interests in traditional sports and entertainment and are confident that our involvement will accelerate the already rapid pace of growth in eSports as a whole.”
 
Philadelphia 76ers co-managing partner David Blitzer commented: “We are excited to become leaders in making the future of eSports even brighter.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with such an experienced and respected group of entrepreneurs to provide Team Dignitas with the resources it needs to join the ranks of elite competitors.
“Adding eSports to our portfolio will provide us with many new ways to extend and strengthen our existing sports brands and grow championship caliber franchises.”
 
Greg Richardson, chairman of Team Dignitas, said: “We intend to build a fan-first team that aspires for excellence in all aspects of the business from attracting premier playing talent to building out merchandising, sponsorships and broadcast rights.
“The eSports market was started and built by its players and fans, creating one of the most vibrant and passionate communities anywhere. Dignitas embraces the unique origins of eSports and looks forward to working closely with its community to take the industry to the next level.”
 
Philadelphia 76ers CEO Scott O’Neil chimes in: “The attractiveness of this deal is as much about the people as it is the opportunity.
“Bringing together gaming industry luminaries including Greg Richardson, Michael O’Dell and David and Michael Slan puts us on track to build the most respected and dominant franchise in the eSports space, spur fan engagement and re-imagine corporate sponsorship to create a vibrant, global e-arena where the greatest players in the world aspire to compete.”
 
“This transaction marks a pivotal moment in the development of the eSports industry,” said Tobias Sherman, global head of eSports, at WME|IMG, the firm behind the deal.
“All of us will benefit from the financial expertise and long-term vision of Josh Harris, David Blitzer and Scott O’Neil as well as the detailed eSports industry knowledge of Michael O’Dell as we seek to create a new model that melds the power of traditional professional sports with eSports.”
 
Finally, Team Dignitas VP and general manager Michael Slan commented: “I’m proud to be a part of this revolutionary project with two legendary organisations.
“I’m also excited to bring a new level of support and infrastructure to my current and future players. I feel that it will soon be a great time to be a Dignitas fan.”
 

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