Kieran Maguire salutes Leeds as Radrizzani secures 'huge' new deal - Football Insider 21/11/21
Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani is right to invest in the lucrative esports market.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking
exclusively to Football Insider about Andrea Radrizzani’s latest business
venture.
Off The Pitch reported on 15 November that Aser Ventures,
Radrizzani’s investment vehicle, has partnered with esports giant NIP.
The pair are embarking on a joint venture under the name
Shinobi Sports that aims to: “help traditional clubs capitalise on esport
opportunities.”
Leeds are developing their partnership with NIP following
their run to the final in last season’s esports Premier League.
Various independent researchers have valued the esports
market at £1.4billion, and it is projected to continue its exponential growth.
Maguire saluted Radrizzani for his innovation in the market
and predicts that esports could be a meaningful income stream for Leeds.
He told Football Insider correspondent Adam Williams: “We
have, in many ways, reached maximum income from traditional sources.
“There isn’t much more room to push matchday income and the
broadcast deal did well to be rolled over at the same rate.
“The popularity of esports is huge. We know how lucrative
the likes of the Fifa franchise has been.
“It has such a huge appeal and huge audience, finding ways
of monetising that is adding another string to your bow.