Rudy Gobert Joins Esports Ownership Group
Oct 3, 2019, 11:27 AM | Updated: 11:42 am
Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz looks on from the bench in the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 18, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert joined the ownership group of the global esports organization, ReKTGlobal. The organization is the parent company of the professional esports club, Rogue, and the official London Call of Duty team.
Gobert a fan of esports and video games, joined the group on October 2, 2019.
“My passion for gaming is well-known among both the Utah Jazz and my team in France,” said Gobert. “I’ve wanted to invest in and get more involved in esports for a while, and I’m really excited to make history with the ReKTGlobal family.”
Very excited to join the @ReKTGlobal family! Let’s make history @Rogue ,@LondonCOD ! 🏆🏆🏆 https://t.co/Qsa8piE5iF
— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) October 2, 2019
ReKTGlobal was created in 2016 to bridge “the gap between the multi-billion-dollar business of traditional sports and the burgeoning business of esports and competitive gaming.” The organization is based in New York City.
The Jazz center joins current ReKTGlobal investors Steve Aoki, DJ Nicky Romero, and Imagine Dragons producer Tainy.
“Rudy’s a phenomenal fit for ReKTGlobal,” said Amish Shah, co-founder of ReKTGlobal. “A passionate and longtime gamer, Rudy also brings a strong business acumen and fresh ideas to the table. As he’s been wanting to invest in esports and get more involved in the gaming industry, we are honored that he selected ReKTGlobal to partner with, and we are excited to have him on board as our first traditional professional sports athlete.”
2x #NBA Defensive Player of the Year @rudygobert27 is going @Rogue✌️#GoRogue #UtahJazz pic.twitter.com/6K6PrhOn5r
— Rogue (@Rogue) October 3, 2019
The global esports organization is involved with some of the most popular video games in the world. They own their own Call of Duty franchise team in London and have a multi-year deal with Fortnite legend DrLupo. Rogue also has ties to video games, FIFA and League of Legends.
“For years now, I’ve used gaming to unwind and relax during the season,” said Gobert. “It’s also how I manage to keep up with my friends when I’m on the road. I’m especially looking forward to playing with the new Call of Duty franchise team before they begin competing next year.”
Gobert and the Jazz begin NBA preseason play on Saturday, October 5 when they host the Adelaide 36ers at 7 p.m. (MDT).
