As part of an ongoing mission to empower unforgettable esports experiences, esports ownership group aXiomatic today announced the addition of Michael Jordan and Declaration Capital as investors.
"The next generation of sports fans are esports fans," said Ted Leonsis, Co-Executive Chairman of aXiomatic and Founder, Chairman, CEO and Majority Owner of Monumental Sports & Entertainment. "Esports is the fastest-growing sector in sports and entertainment, and aXiomatic is at the forefront of that growth. We are thrilled to welcome Michael and Declaration Capital to aXiomatic and look forward to working together on some truly cutting-edge opportunities."
Declaration Capital, the family office of David M. Rubenstein, focuses on venture, growth and family-owned investments. Rubenstein is the co-founder and co-executive chairman of The Carlyle Group.
Joining the Group is NBA legend Michael Jordan, through his family office. In his thirteen seasons playing for the Chicago Bulls, Jordan led the team to six NBA Championship titles, in addition to creating his Jordan Brand (a division of Nike). With a decade's long reputation as one of the greatest athletes of all time, this is Jordan's first step into the digital sports realm with an esports investment. Curtis Polk, the Managing Partner and Alternate Governor of Hornets Sports & Entertainment, and manager of the financial and business affairs of Michael Jordan and his related companies is also joining as an investor.
"I'm excited to expand my sports equity portfolio through my investment in aXiomatic. Esports is a fast-growing, international industry and I'm glad to partner with this great group of investors," commented Michael Jordan.
With this bolstered investor lineup, aXiomatic looks forward to powering even more engaging esports experiences, and strengthening existing partnerships, including Team Liquid, a global competitive esports team and premier esports media brand.
"From the beginning of our esports and video gaming journey aXiomatic has sought to bring together world-class talent in its investor group. We are extremely excited to welcome these esteemed investors into the aXiomatic and Team Liquid family and look forward to their valuable and unique perspectives," said aXiomatic CEO and co-founder, Bruce Stein.
George P. Stamas of the firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher acted as aXiomatic's counsel for this funding round.


ABOUT AXIOMATIC
aXiomatic powers unforgettable esports experiences through sports and entertainment expertise. The company began operations in November 2015 with a mission to build a portfolio of dynamic company holdings in the esports and video gaming industry. aXiomatic leadership includes Co-Executive Chairmen Peter Guber, Ted Leonsis, Jeff Vinik and Bruce Karsh who together represent an unparalleled team of sports, technology, entertainment and investment industry titans. Through strategic partnerships, investments and acquisitions, the team connects esports groups with valuable resources including venues, technologies, media content, distribution partners and investment capital.
In September 2016, aXiomatic acquired controlling interest in one of the world's premier esports brands Team Liquid, run by Co-CEO's Steven Arhancet and Victor Goossens. Working with this world championship team has given aXiomatic an authentic perspective into the rapidly-evolving esports audience and industry. In addition to Team Liquid, aXiomatic has made several strategic investments into esports-related businesses - from analytics and coaching to new gaming experiences. As esports continues its meteoric journey, it's aXiomatic's goal to use all of our resources to help create new and rich experiences for audiences and athletes alike.