The Weeknd announced Wednesday he has bought into OverActive Media, parent company of his hometown esports team, Toronto Defiant.
“As a big esports fan, I am really excited to be involved in this project,” said the singer, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, in a release. “I am looking forward to collaborating with OverActive Media in unique and innovative ways.”
Toronto Defiant are currently in eighth place, out of 20 teams, in the Overwatch League.
OverActive Media has other ventures in the booming esports world, including the Defiant’s academy team, the Montreal Rebellion, and egames organization Splyce.
According to OverActive Media, "the new partnership will see Abel become the first Toronto Defiant and Splyce global ambassador and an important part of OAM’s brand and content building efforts across Canada and around the world."
CEO Chris Overholt said, in a release: "Abel's standing in the music industry will provide our Toronto Defiant and Splyce brands the opportunity to reach more fans and engage new audiences.”
The Weeknd is not the only Toronto superstar involved in the booming business of esports. Drake is an investor in 100 Thieves, which has teams competing in Call of Duty and League of Legends.