Telecommunications giant Optus has further strengthened its ties to the Adelaide Crows by agreeing to a long-term partnership with the AFL club’s esports operations.

Optus will become a major partner of Legacy Esports with branding prominently displayed on the professional gaming team’s jersey and support the creation of unique and engaging content for the franchise’s digital platform.

Legacy Esports, which was acquired by the Adelaide Football Club in 2017, is an established and successful esports organisation.

With teams currently participating across six different games, including Fortnite, StarCraft II and the hugely popular League of Legends – with the Oceanic Pro League kicking off spilt two for 2019 this month.

Crows Chief Operating Officer Nigel Smart, who oversees the esports operations, described the announcement as a significant partnership for Legacy Esports.

“It is not just an important announcement for our organisation but also the industry more broadly in this country, and it will help to underpin the rapid growth of our esports activities,” Smart said.

“The fans will also be big winners as they will be brought closer to the team through fresh and innovative content and other exciting initiatives we will roll out in coming months.”

Optus is a one of Australia and the Pacific region’s leading telecommunications companies, connecting people through mobile, wireless internet and broadband technologies.

“We are excited to be adding this type of game changing content and entertainment into our partnership with the Adelaide Crows,” Optus’ Head of Marketing, Mel Hopkins, said.

“The partnership will provide us with an opportunity to better understand the requirements of gamers as we develop Optus’ future network.”

“Our robust network will play a key role in facilitating the rapidly growing esports segment and as such, we look forward to working with Legacy Esports to provide gamers with the ecosystem they need to play online successfully.”