Coinbase Becomes Exclusive Crypto Partner for Riot Games’ League of Legends and VALORANT

In a groundbreaking move, Coinbase has officially announced partnership with Riot Games to become the exclusive cryptocurrency exchange and official blockchain technology partner for League of Legends and VALORANT esports global events. 

The partnership will debut at VALORANT Champions Tour Masters (M2) in Toronto, Canada, and span multiple premier tournaments across both games’ competitive ecosystems. This includes the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) events like Masters and Champions, as well as League of Legends Esports tournaments including First Stand, Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), and the prestigious World Championship.

“Esports and crypto have long gone hand-in-hand as digital-first communities, both driven by passionate trailblazers looking to upend the status quo,” stated Coinbase in their official announcement. “As esports redefined the meaning of being an athlete, crypto is redefining the financial system to make economic freedom possible for all.”

New Interactive Features Coming to Broadcasts

Among the most anticipated elements of this partnership are the new in-broadcast segments that connect the themes of digital economics to competitive gameplay:

• “Econ Report” for VALORANT Esports: A first-of-its-kind segment providing live analysis of in-match economy management and its impact on team strategies
• “Gold Grind” for LoL Esports: Similar analysis focused on gold acquisition and resource management in competitive League of Legends

Additionally, Coinbase will power exclusive viewer rewards including special emotes and icons that fans can redeem during broadcasts. The partnership will also feature promotional opportunities with significant prizes, such as all-expenses-paid trips to major VALORANT and League of Legends competitions.

The Future of Web3 in Esports

Looking beyond immediate integrations, both companies have expressed interest in exploring deeper Web3 opportunities as the partnership evolves. This strategic alignment positions both Riot Games and Coinbase at the forefront of integrating blockchain technology into mainstream entertainment and competitive gaming.

“It’s a partnership that will allow for future innovation in the sports partnership space,” Coinbase stated. “Over the course of the season, we will explore opportunities to share insights and enhance the fan experience through Web3 technology.”

Expanding Coinbase’s Sports Partnership Portfolio

This collaboration represents the latest addition to Coinbase’s growing sports partnership strategy. The cryptocurrency exchange has already established relationships with esports organization Team Liquid, major sports leagues including the NBA and WNBA, individual teams such as the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers, the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team™, and German football club Borussia Dortmund in Bundesliga.

For Riot Games, this partnership aligns with their ongoing efforts to enhance viewer experiences and create innovative content around their global esports events, which attract millions of viewers worldwide..