NBA team execs purchase eSports franchise, Team Liquid

Team Liquid, one of the eSports industry's most high-profile teams, has been acquired by newly formed ownership group, Axiomatic. 

Axiomatic, led by professional sports execs Peter Guber and Ted Leonsis, picked up a controlling stake in Team Liquid for an undisclosed fee. 

Guber is currently the co-owner of the Golden State Warriors (NBA), Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), and Los Angeles Football Club (MLS), and is also an investor and board member of Dick Clark Productions, the production company behind the American Music Awards and Golden Globe Awards.

Leonsis also has plenty of sporting pedigree, and is the founder, chairman, and majority owner of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Washington Capitals (NHL), Washington Wizards (NBA), and the Washington Mystics (WNBA). 

The pair will serve as co-executive chairmen of Axiomatic, but will leave the day-to-day running of Team Liquid to Steve Arhancet and Victor Goossens, who will continue working as Team Liquid's joint-CEOs.

"Steve and Victor impressed me with all that they have done with Team Liquid and I am truly excited to work with the best people across a broad spectrum of businesses to create a unique eSports enterprise," said Leonsis in a press release.

"This company has the potential to create all new experiences for eSports audiences worldwide."

Team Liquid currently has over 50 players competing on 10 teams, and takes part in top-level tournaments built around games including League of Legends, Hearthstone, Heroes of the Storm, Overwatch, and Halo.

Team Liquid isn't the first eSports team to be picked up by those with a vested interest in American sports. Earlier this week, NBA franchise the Philadelphia 76ers acquired controlling stakes in Team Dignitas and Team Apex, spurred on by the eSports' potential for "incredibly growth."