In today’s episode, Gabriel Causse joins us to share his unique perspective on partnerships in esports, the differences between creating partnerships in traditional sports and esports, and how traditional sports teams and franchises can engage with gamers.

Gabriel Causse is the Manager of Business Operations at Magic Gaming and the first esports Partnership Manager in the history of the NBA with the Orlando Magic. Gabriel came from France and got a scholarship to play soccer at Brigham Young University–Hawaii, where he graduated in Sports Management. 

Throughout our conversation, we navigate Gabriel’s journey and his experiences coming from France to start a career in sports in America. He shares his thoughts on partnerships and the similarities and differences between the traditional sports and esports space when convincing brands to support esports teams. 

We also discuss how the esports space has changed and evolved, where it is common to find parents now more engaged with gaming and understanding their kids are not “wasting their time” in front of a screen playing video games. Gabriel also shared what he believes is the best strategy for traditional sports teams to engage with gamers, the evolution of conversations about health and wellness in the gaming industry, and more. 

Resources:

Visit the Magic Gaming website: https://magicgaming.nba.com/

or connect with them on social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MagicGaming

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magicgaming/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MagicGaming/

Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/orlandomagicgaming

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4vVVAHcMRD8bCIrwxGWUPg

You can also connect with Gabriel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabcausse/details/education/.

Full Episode Breakdown:

2:43 – Gabriel shared his experiences when the NBA 2K started.

6:20 – Gabriel explains how his traditional sports background helped him better understand the dynamics of esports.

8:51 – Gabriel highlights the importance of not seeing esports as the opposite of traditional sports but seeing both as different forms of entertainment.

13:15 – Gabriel narrates his experiences coming from France to America and getting his degree in Sports Management.

16:48 – Gabriel talks about the differences between leading partnerships in the traditional sports and esports space.

22:31 – Gabriel shares his thoughts on esports athletes, their role as content creators, and the access their audience has to them through streaming and social media platforms.

24:45 – Gabriel shares a bit about the current partnerships of Magic Gaming.

29:29 – John and Gabriel discuss the importance of transparency when creating partnerships.

34:19 – Gabriel talks about how esports teams can engage with local audiences through partnerships with local businesses.

40:19 – Gabriel explains some ways traditional sports teams can engage with gamers.

44:53 – John and Gabriel discuss the link between traditional sports athletes and esports and gaming and the benefits of it for the gaming industry.

49:31 – Gabriel talks about the Magic Gaming Esports Academy.

55:03 – John and Gabriel talk about the health component of esports and how health and wellness have become an active conversation in the industry.