The New York Yankees have invested an undisclosed sum into Vision eSports, a firm that holds controlling stakes in eSports team organization Echo Fox, eSports production house Vision Entertainment, and league operator/ranking adjudicator Twin Galaxies.
This is kind of a big deal given how entrenched the Yankees are in the world of traditional sports, though they certainly aren't the first pro team to invest in eSports; last September, the Philadelphia 76ers became the first big North American sports franchise to buy into eSports when they purchased a controlling stake in Team Dignitas and Team Apex.
It's not hugely surprising, however, when you consider that research conducted over the last few years suggests people (especially young people) now like eSports as much as traditional sports.
In the wake of this deal the two parties intend to work together to better sell themselves, and a press release notes that "the Yankees and Vision eSports will collaborate on marketing and sponsorship initiative across assets" going forward.