Minnesota Vikings ownership invests in Call of Duty esports team

The Wilf family has done a great job with the Minnesota Vikings franchise and is now throwing their hats into the esports ring with a Call of Duty team.

As a football fan who also loves video games, it’s no surprise to me just how big these two markets are. Teams like the Minnesota Vikings have a massive following while game franchises such as Call of Duty captivate millions of gamers.

Recently, Bizjournals.com shared the news that the Wilf family has invested in an esports franchise which will compete in upcoming Call of Duty tournaments hosted by Activision Blizzard around the world.

ESPN reports that each franchise costs approximately $25 million to start and Minnesota’s team will join franchises in Atlanta, Dallas, New York, Paris, and Toronto with more expected to be announced soon.

The Vikings aren’t the only NFL team to dabble in esports. New England Patriots CEO Robert Kraft and Stan Kroenke of the Los Angeles Rams both have investments in leagues devoted to Call of Duty and Overwatch. In addition, the Minnesota Timberwolves have a team that competes in NBA 2K.

The league in Minnesota will be run through a company called Wise Ventures with Brett Diamond at the point. Diamond is a former director of partnership strategy for the Vikings as well as NFL league office employee. Zygi Wilf’s son Jonathan will take care of the business representing the Vikings.

In fact, Bizjournals shared a quote from Diamond saying that something could be coming to the home of the NFL team to make the league even closer to the Vikings.

"“We are exploring the viability of building an arena on the Viking Lakes campus in Eagan,” Diamond said. “It’s not something we have a firm commitment on, but we are actively exploring it.”"

Would you root for a Call of Duty team the Minnesota Vikings have invested in? And do you think esports are a good long-term investment for NFL owners? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!