Schalke 04 has become the latest major football side to embrace the world of esports but it’s gone about it a far more dedicated way by taking over League of Legends team Elements. 
Moritz Beckers-Schwarz, chairman of the board at FC Schalke 04 Arena Management GmbH said: “We have noticed that the level of professionalism in esports has continued to grow over the past years. Particular noteworthy is the development of structures within League of Legends and the flagship League of Legends Championship.”
Elements will henceforth be known as FC Schalke 04 in all competitions and this includes the prestigious League of Legends Championship Series, better known as LCS. This is a series which has gained sponsorships from the likes of Coca Cola and American Express in the past. The team will compete in the LCS Summer Split 2016.
It has also been revealed that Jacob ‘Maelk’ Toft-Andersen, a Danish caster and retired DotA player, will run the esports department at Schalke 04.
Schalke’s move follows the recent announcement that West Ham has signed an official FIFA player in the form of Sean ‘Dragonn’ Allen to represent the club. An increasing amount of professional football clubs are expected to make tracks in this industry sooner rather than later with the potential for engaging with younger fans an incredibly attractive proposition.
Source: SBC News
