KeSPA reveals Team Korea’s official sponsors and there’s a lot of familiar names

The Korea e-Sports Association (KeSPA) has unveiled the official sponsors for the Team Korea esports teams during their upcoming international competitions and there’s some big names listed.

In a release published across social media on May 15, KeSPA unveiled that Disney+, Hanwha Life, SIDIZ, Gal Studio, Logitech, Revion, Photogray, and Google Play would be the official sponsors of Team Korea of esports.

Disney, Google Play, and Hanwha Life to sponsor Team Korea as per KeSPA reveals

With names from across entertainment and technology, the Team Korea sponsors are likely to be some of the most high-profile among teams competing at the two major international esports competitions this year, the Asian Games and the Esports Nations Cup.

What’s more, many of the sponsors already have very direct links to esports, and the new partnership seemingly expands that connection. Disney+ broadcasts a number of esports events in South Korea, while Logitech's connection via its peripherals is obvious.

Perhaps the most controversial sponsor is Hanwha Life. The Korean life insurance company is already the banner sponsor of LCK competitor Hanwha Life Esports. Some online have suggested this could represent a conflict of interest, as HL could in theory use its sway as a sponsor to influence Team Korea player selection to favor HLE players.

While all potential conflicts of interest are a serious matter, any organization other than KeSPA influencing player selection is an unlikely prospect. The governing body takes its autonomy and selection process more seriously than perhaps any other in esports.

KeSPA recently resolved its potential boycott of the Esports Nations Cup, with the ENC and organizer, the Esports Federation, agreeing to their demands.

Google Play is also a notable choice as a sponsor. The app store segment of Google’s business today (May 15) launched the second part of its Faker x Karina advertisement and promotion.

Overall, the announcement, while pure corporate signalling, is worth taking note of due simply the pedigree of the brands involved. Team Korea is already expected to be one of the top competitors at both the Asian Games and ENC, and their calibre is matched by their sponsorships.