The LCS calls for Echo Fox to take “corrective action” over racist comments made by a shareholder, the NCAA tables esports talks indefinitely, and the Overwatch League signs a deal with Upper Deck.
Missed any of the biggest esports business news last week? The TEO Monday Morning Briefing recaps the top headlines from the last seven days!
The League of Legends 
Championship Series (LCS) has concluded a preliminary investigation into alleged racist comments by an Echo Fox shareholder, telling team ownership to take “corrective action” within two months or face the possibility of punitive action.
A report late last month said that founder Rick Fox was looking to sell his stake in the organization because of the alleged comments from a shareholder with investor Vision Venture Partners.
LCS Commissioner Chris Greeley, speaking through the official League of Legends Twitter account, said Echo Fox must remove “any individuals whose actions violate League rules and agreements” within 60 days or “the League will take formal action that may adversely impact the future of Echo Fox in the LCS.”
Echo Fox later issued a statement saying it is trying to work quicker than the timeframe imposed by the LCS.
NCAA Votes to Table Esports, Riot Games to Create Governing Body
The NCAA has opted not to govern collegiate esports, after exploring the topic and working with a consultancy group to figure out how to approach the growing industry. Sports Business Journal (SBJ) eported that the NCAA’s Board of Governors unanimously voted on April 30 to table the issue indefinitely, marking the end of this current round of consideration and exploration.
Some of the biggest challenges facing the NCAA’s adoption of college esports included how Title IX regulations would impact participation and scholarships, as well as how the NCAA would determine eligibility rules given the prize money typically offered via competition.
In a related story, Riot Games is creating a stand-alone governing body for collegiate League of Legends esports, a source told SBJ. Riot’s new governing body will remain wholly owned and controlled by the company. However, it will be structured as a separate division in the same way that its 13 pro leagues are, including the LCS (in the U.S.) and the LEC (Europe). The governing body will have different challenges from the pro leagues though, the source said.
Activision Blizzard has agreed to a deal to allow The Upper Deck Company to produce trading cards and other licensed collectible items based on the Overwatch League (OWL).
The multi-year deal includes trading cards available via Upper Deck’s digital e-Pack platform. The e-Pack experience lets users buy and open packs, as well as trade cards with other users. It also upon Upper Deck’s heritage as a maker of paper trading cards by letting users order physical versions of the digital cards they own.
Sponsorships and Partnerships Round-Up
Gen.G Esports has agreed to a partnership with livestreaming platform Douyu , which is now the official Chinese media partner for its League of Legends team. The deal is currently exclusive to Gen.G’s South Korean LoL squad, which competes in the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) league. According to Gen.G chief operating officer Arnold Hur, the organization has seen interest both from Chinese fans and from global sponsors that want more of a presence in that market.
Complexity Gaming and MillerCoors have unveiled a new strategic deal that will make Miller Lite the official alcoholic beverage of the team. As part of the deal, MillerCoors will name the player area in Complexity’s new GameStop Performance Center headquarters in Frisco, Texas. Miller Lite will also be available on tap for players and staff of legal drinking age.
The National Hockey League announced its full list of sponsors for the NHL Gaming World Championship for 2019, along with planned activations for the NHL 19 tournament. Honda and Scotiabank are returning sponsors from last year’s inaugural event. Joining those sponsors are five newcomers: Adidas, ASTRO Gaming, Brisk, Great Clips, and MGM Resorts. Apparel brand Adidas will serve as the official outfitter for the NHL Gaming World Championship, with branded jackets and caps for finalists at each Regional Final event.
