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SciPlay and Major League Soccer’s Austin FC have signed a multiyear sponsorship deal. This is the professional soccer club’s first partnership with a video game company.
Alongside digital signage and live fan engagements, SciPlay now has naming rights to three major parts of Austin FC’s Q2 Stadium: the SciPlay Sports Bar in the venue’s north building, the SciPlay Gate (northwest gate) and the SciPlay North Parking Lot.
“We look forward to collaborating with SciPlay on a number of unique and innovative activations,” said Austin FC President Andy Loughnane. “It will be terrific to work alongside another brand and employer that calls Austin home.”
SciPlay partnership contextualized
SciPlay is the social games division of gambling and betting provider Light & Wonder, Inc. (NASDAQ and ASX: LNW). Light & Wonder spun the developer off as a public company in 2019, selling a minority stake via an IPO. Light & Wonder ultimately reacquired SciPlay in October 2023.
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True to its roots, SciPlay’s games are primarily casino games. The developer’s portfolio of 11 titles includes Jackpot Party Casino Slots, Bingo Showdown and Gold Fish Casino. Today, the developer has over 800 employees (and hiring more) with six studios around the world, including one in Austin.
“Austin FC’s vibrant spirit and fiercely loyal fanbase resonate deeply with SciPlay and mirrors our own passion to win,” said SciPlay CEO Josh Wilson. “This deal is a powerful connection, weaving our organizations deeper into the vibrant and diverse tapestry of Austin. We believe SciPlay’s sponsorship of Austin FC will be a true game-changer.”
This partnership is the latest piece of good news for the developer. In Light & Wonder’s latest financial report, SciPlay reported 12% revenue growth YoY. Additionally, it won two EKG Slot Awards for Best Social Game (Jackpot Party) and Best Social Gaming Operator.
While this is the first gaming partnership for Austin FC, other MLS teams have signed major partnerships with video game companies. From 2009 to 2018, the Seattle Sounders jersey partner was Microsoft and Xbox.
Complementing this partnership, Austin FC is reaching out to gamers in other ways. The pro team participates in the eMLS and the wider EA Sports FC Pro Open.
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