Riot Games’ New Partnership with Coinbase

Riot Games has recently confirmed a partnership with Coinbase, a well-known cryptocurrency exchange. The partnership will start with the VALORANT Masters Toronto event, taking place on June 7th. The partnership will increase Coinbase’s involvement in broadcast segments and fan activities during both VALORANT and League of Legends esports events. However, it’s worth mentioning that the partnership deal will not introduce crypto transactions within Riot Games or its esports scenes. The focus will be on improving the fan experience.

Additional Information on Riot Games and Coinbase Partnership

The partnership was officially announced on May 6, 2025. This deal positions Coinbase as the exclusive cryptocurrency exchange and blockchain technology partner for Valorant and League of Legends esports events. It symbolizes the growing impact of cryptocurrency in the esports sector.

The plan will initiate at the Valorant Champions Tour Masters Toronto on June 7, 2025. Although the financial terms have not been revealed, the partnership involves several key components. Coinbase will be the exclusive cryptocurrency trading platform partner for both League of Legends and Valorant esports events globally. The plan also involves improvements to fan experience during events, including distinctive broadcast segments, event activations, hospitality promotions, and giveaways. Interactive content for viewers such as real-time data analysis features like the VALORANT economic battle report and League of Legends gold coin tracking will be included. The aim of this partnership is to improve the fan experience using modern technologies.

Context of the Partnership

This alliance follows Riot’s previous cryptocurrency partnership with FTX that ended disastrously when FTX went bankrupt and resulted in significant financial losses for users, investors, and partners. Also, Riot Games earlier this year fined Team Liquid $4,000 for wearing unauthorized jerseys featuring a Coinbase logo during VCT EMEA matches for violation of section 8.2 of the VCT 2025 Global Policy.

Coinbase has previous experience in the esports sector due to its collaboration with Team Liquid and its support of cryptocurrency education content across key broadcasts. The new partnership widens Coinbase’s influence to official Riot Games events globally. With this collaboration, Coinbase joins Riot’s extraordinary list of partners, including Team Liquid, OpTic Gaming, NBA, WNBA, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, and Aston Martin Aramco Formula One team.

The duration of the partnership isn’t disclosed, but Riot Games mentioned in their announcement that they are excited to work together on fan experiences for League of Legends and Valorant Esports for the coming years.