Victory League raises $4m as big football names back new platform including Zinchenko and Kanu
Summary
Venture capital firm LocalGlobe and metaverse company Improbable have announced the launch of Victory League.The pair have committed $4m in seed funding into the platform, which is billed as a digital world transforming the way that football fans engage with players and clubs around the world.There will also be a gaming element to the platform, where supporters can play mini games against fellow fans.Other backers include Arsenal footballer Oleksandr Zinchenko, former Arsenal player Nwankwo Kanu and Vogue fashion photographer Hugo Comte.Zinchenko is no stranger to digital worlds, with the Premier League footballer often subbing in for his Counter-Strike esports team.The Arsenal link continues, with Victory League having enlisted the services of AFTV boss Robbie Lyle to host some promotional content.With the new platform, football fans can share stories, participate in exclusive live events and forge deeper connections with their clubs and heroes, no matter location or background.The metaverse platform will partner with clubs, players and leagues in both mens and womens football, offering them an opportunity to become equity owners.Pilot events alongside Arsenals Zinchenko, Ukrainian manager and former Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko, and Nigerian and Arsenal football legend Nwankwo Kanu have already taken place.Improbables Herman Narula said: Victory League goes beyond simply watching. Its about celebrating your passion, engaging with your community, and getting closer to your idols.LocalGlobe founder Saul Klein called this the third wave of football for fans looking for immediacy and interaction wherever they are, beyond what they experience consuming television (wave one) or social media (wave two).He said: Were creating an authentic digital experience that rivals the stadiums energy. Victory League ensures the game remains a vital cultural force.Ahead of Euro 2024, the platform is inviting 30,000 fans to exclusive events powered by Improbables Morpheus technology. These events will showcase its star players and build anticipation for the tournament, building on past events including Game4Ukraine and Clash of Fans.The support from Improbable and LocalGlobe is a testament to Victory Leagues vision, said Marcus Bl\xe4sche, a gaming and web3 expert who is supporting the launch of the platform.With the added excitement of bringing supporters closer to their favourite players and clubs, Victory League is poised to create an unmatched virtual football experience.Theres more info on the Victory League website