In a newly announced multi-year partnership with Riot Games, Coinbase will serve as the official crypto sponsor for League of Legends and Valorant global esports events.
This partnership marks a major move for both companies and a huge signal that crypto is here to stay in the world of digital entertainment.
Leveling up.
Coinbase is now the exclusive crypto exchange for @lolesports and @ValorantEsports global events. pic.twitter.com/jHLGVULYrj
— Coinbase (@coinbase) May 6, 2025
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What’s the Coinbase Crypto-Esports Deal?
Coinbase will be front and center at Riot’s biggest esports tournaments, including:
- League of Legends Mid-Season Invitational
- League of Legends World Championship
- Valorant Champions Tour
The partnership officially kicks off at the Valorant Masters event in Toronto, starting June 7, 2025.
This isn’t just about slapping logos on a screen. Coinbase is aiming to build real engagement with the esports community, offering in-game rewards, exclusive content, and even chances to win all-expenses-paid trips to live events.
Fans of League and Valorant can expect some fun and potentially valuable perks. According to Riot and Coinbase, here’s what’s in the pipeline:
- Custom broadcast segments like:
- Gold Grind (League of Legends)
- Econ Report (Valorant)
- These will break down in-game currency management, perfectly aligned with Coinbase’s brand.
- Exclusive in-game items (emotes, icons, etc.)
- Contests and giveaways that include real-world rewards like travel to tournaments
There are also hints at deeper Web3 integrations, such as blockchain-based collectibles or experiences. However, details on that are still under wraps.
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Didn’t Riot Already Try This with FTX?
Yes, and it didn’t end well for them.
Glad Riot Games is going into the crypto space again after what happened with FTX/LCS
We love crypto we love crypto we love crypto! pic.twitter.com/iIIz3lO5uN
— Armand (@ArmandLuque) May 6, 2025
Back in 2021, Riot signed a major sponsorship with FTX, the now-defunct exchange that collapsed in one of crypto’s most high-profile scandals. That deal was scrapped after FTX’s bankruptcy, leaving Riot without a crypto partner.
This time around, Riot is partnering with Coinbase, a publicly traded and fully regulated exchange that brings more legitimacy and stability to the table.
Why Does This Matter to Crypto or Esports?
This partnership is a huge validation for crypto’s place in mainstream culture. Esports attracts a massive, global audience. Most of whom are already digitally native and familiar with virtual economies.
By embedding Coinbase into that ecosystem, crypto gets a powerful new onramp for younger users, and esports gets a trusted partner for integrating blockchain tech without all the controversy.
It’s a win-win, for now.
Crypto sponsorships in esports are still a risky game. If the Web3 elements come off as gimmicky, or if Coinbase stumbles, it could repeat the FTX fiasco. But if done right, this could be a game-changer for both industries.
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Key Takeaways
- Coinbase is now the official crypto sponsor of Riot Games’ top esports titles: League of Legends and Valorant.
- The partnership includes fan engagement features like custom broadcast segments, in-game rewards, and potential blockchain-based experiences to integrate Web3 into esports viewing.
- This move follows Riot’s failed FTX sponsorship, but Coinbase’s stability and regulatory status suggest a more secure and long-term crypto presence in the esports world.
The post Coinbase: Official Crypto Sponsor of LoL and Valorant Esports appeared first on 99Bitcoins.