Actor Michael B. Jordan Invested in Call of Duty and Overwatch
The famous Hollywood actor is a popular celebrity today and he didn't wait long to dip his toes into the growing world of esports. Jordan invested in AndBox is a multi-group esports organization based in New York City that owns the local Subliners team playing Call of Duty as well as commands for Overwatch NYXL.
Big names help big brands in the world of sports. The latest is actor Michael B. Jordan, who broke into this decade's Hollywood Hall of Fame with his roles in Black Panther, Creed and the Fantastic Four.
For Jordan, his involvement in competitive gaming comes in the form of an investment in the AndBox organization that owns and operates the New York Excelsior team in the Overwatch League and the New York Subliners team in the upcoming Call of Duty League.
For Jordan, a New York native and Call of Duty fan, the decision was an easy one, given Box's approach to bringing esports to the area.
“AndBox cared about New York culture, they wanted to make sure they got it right,” Jordan said. “I felt like they really cared about New Yorkers and were helpful to the city.”
“I've never been a guy who just wants to get involved to put his name on it,” he continued, explaining why he only invests in what he cares about. “I must have some passion for it. Call of Duty, if anyone knows me, they know that this is my way”
For a company like AndBox, more investment is always good news, especially considering the buy-in prices they have had to pay to get franchise seats in both the Overwatch League and the Call of Duty League, with price tags in the tens of millions.
The direction of both of these leagues points to a movement in esports in general to create regional and local fans. For the past two seasons, OWL has been based almost entirely in Los Angeles. They are now transitioning to a homestand format for Season 3 and the Call of Duty League is starting with a similar format.
New York is our home & 2020 is our year.
— NYXL (@NYXL) 18th of December 2019
Don't miss the Homestand action. #everupward #OWL2020 pic.twitter.com/OAA9mMQXTx
AndBox's commitment to New York esports is much bigger and deeper than just promoting and launching two of the biggest franchises. They work with a host of other organizations and organizers to host weekly events across the city and metropolitan area such as Tekken, Call of Duty and Fortnite tournaments.
With big names like Jordan involved in organizations, the potential for companies like AndBox to change the landscape of the esports fandom is limitless.