Riot Games Partners with Coinbase for Esports Events

LOS ANGELES, CA — Riot Games announced on May 6, 2025, that it has entered into a partnership with Coinbase, designating the cryptocurrency exchange as the exclusive crypto partner for its VALORANT and League of Legends esports global events. This partnership will debut during the VALORANT Champions Tour Masters in Toronto on June 7.

As part of the collaboration, Coinbase will introduce several fan engagement initiatives, which will include event activations, hospitality promotions, and giveaways tailored for esports enthusiasts. Riot Games aims to enhance the experience for fans following both VALORANT and League of Legends.

Coinbase has established a prominent presence in the esports space, having previously partnered with notable teams and organizations, including Team Liquid and multiple NBA franchises. Their experience as a digital-first brand aligns with Riot’s strategic vision for expanding fan experiences across both gaming franchises.

The deal’s specific financial details remain undisclosed, but Riot Games expressed optimism for a fruitful collaboration over the coming years. A representative from Riot stated, “We look forward to collaborating together to create deeper fan experiences across LoL and VALORANT Esports for years to come.”

Prior to this agreement, Riot Games had a partnership with FTX, which faced a significant downturn leading to its collapse in 2022. The previous relationship left Riot without a crypto sponsorship until now. The new agreement positions Riot to re-enter the cryptocurrency space in a more stable partnership.

With Coinbase now on board, fans can expect innovative features such as in-game segments including the “Econ Report” for VALORANT and “Gold Grind” for League of Legends. These segments aim to provide insights on in-game currency and its strategic implications, marking an exciting shift in fan engagement during esports competitions.