American crypto exchange Coinbase has struck a new deal with Riot Games to serve as the exclusive crypto exchange and official blockchain partner for global League of Legends and Valorant esports events.
The agreement covers a range of Riot’s top competitions and will introduce fresh in‑game features, fan rewards, and marketing activations.
What Does This Mean?
Coinbase and Riot Games will collaborate across major esports events starting at the Masters in Toronto, Canada. Coinbase will be present at Valorant Masters and Champions Tour finals and League of Legends First Stand, Mid‑Season Invitational and Worlds.
The partnership aims to bring new blockchain‑based experiences to viewers and deepen the link between crypto and gaming culture.
New In‑Game Segments
As part of the deal, Coinbase will debut two original broadcast features. The Valorant “Econ Report” will track in‑match credit flows and show how teams spend on weapons and abilities.
In League of Legends, “Gold Grind” will follow champions’ item buys and gold gains in real time. Both segments will highlight strategic choices and add fresh insight for fans.
Fan Rewards and Promotions
Viewers will also get chances to earn digital rewards at events. Coinbase will unlock themed emotes and icons that fans can claim.
Special promotions will offer prizes like an all‑expenses‑paid trip for two to Valorant Champions or League of Legends Worlds matches. Social media campaigns and broadcast tie‑ins will spread the word about these rewards.
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Expanding Blockchain Experiences
Beyond broadcasts, the two companies plan to test web3 features to make future events more interactive.
Riot and Coinbase will explore new ways to share match insights, create digital collectables and roll out instant payouts for players. This marks an effort to bring blockchain tools into mainstream esports.
A Growing List of Sports Partnerships
Coinbase has already backed several high‑profile sports teams and leagues. It sponsors NBA clubs like the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers, and holds partnerships with the WNBA.
The exchange also supports the Canadian Football League as an official partner. These deals show how crypto brands are gaining ground in traditional sports.
History of Crypto in Esports
Esports was one of the first major entertainment fields to embrace crypto sponsors. Teams and leagues have used digital tokens and blockchain to reward fans and speed up payments.
Riot Games itself signed a long‑term deal with FTX in 2021, but that agreement ended when FTX collapsed in late 2022. Since then, Riot has been seeking a new crypto partner.
Driving Economic Freedom
In announcing the partnership, Coinbase pointed to shared values with Riot Games. Both groups appeal to digital‑first fans and aim to shake up established systems.
Riot helped redefine the idea of competition through esports. Coinbase hopes to reshape finance by offering more people secure access to crypto. Together, they plan to make both worlds more open and innovative.
Coinbase’s entry into Riot’s global esports calendar could signal a shift in how fans engage with tournaments. By combining in‑game data, live broadcasts and web3 features, this deal aims to set a new standard for crypto in esports. Fans around the world will watch closely as the first activations roll out in Toronto.
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