BLK looks to maintain partnerships and expand in eSports

The new owners of sporting goods brand BLK are looking to re-establish the brand’s partnerships, announcing the renewal of their deal with Super Rugby franchise Melbourne Rebels.

Bought by East Timorese energy company Esperança Timor Oan from the receivers in January, having entered administration in November 2016, BLK has managed to keep their rugby union sponsorships continuing in Super Rugby, as well as signing recent deals with New Zealand provincial rugby team Southland and USA’s mens rugby sevens team.

BLK, then known as KooGa, was a foundation sponsor of the club when the Rebels entered the competition in 2011 and the new three-year deal which ends in 2020 takes their relationship to a decade.

BLK will remain as the official apparel supplier of the Melbourne Rebels, including its development teams, as well as providing the franchise with its training and playing apparel and merchandise range.

Fellow Australian Super Rugby clubs Queensland Reds and Western Force have also opted to keep their relationships with the company alive.

While maintain its links in rugby, the company has lost its six AFL sponsorships, which included the Adelaide Crows, Brisbane Lions and St Kilda plus NRL club Gold Coast Titans.

Looking to expand into the fast-growing eSports sector, BLK has signed apparel supply deals with a range of teams in the last month including Athletico Esports, Plantronics Tainted Minds and Avant Gaming, as well as sponsoring the WPGI Womens E-Sports Tournament that was contested over the weekend. 

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