UTA, one of the world’s largest talent agencies, has signed esports and gaming content organization FaZe Clan.

UTA will amplify FaZe’s efforts as the team expands its content into traditional entertainment media. FaZe will continue to maintain robust in-house teams across content development and production, talent management, legal operations and brand partnerships.

FaZe is one of the most recognizable brands in esports and gaming with notable members such as Nicholas “NICKMERCS” Kolcheff, Kristopher “Swagg” Lamberson and Kyle “Mongraal” Jackson. The organization also has professional teams in esports franchises such as Call of Duty, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, VALORANT and Fortnite, among others.

FaZe was the most-tweeted about esports team in 2020, according to data from Shareablee, a digital measurement platform.

In April 2020, FaZe Clan announced a partnership with producer Michael Sugar’s Sugar23 for the launch of FaZe Studios, a new effort with the intent of creating feature films and scripted television. The studio’s first offering, horror film Crimson, launched in October.

In addition to content creation, FaZe also has a successful streetwear clothing line and most recently collaborated with Manchester City for a limited edition collection.

The organization’s most recent endeavor was the #FaZe5 challenge, a competition for gamers to join FaZe Clan. The challenge received 211,000 applicants and the six winners were revealed during a live stream which surpassed 9 million concurrent viewers across FaZe’s social platforms.

“Our partnership with UTA signals the next stage in our evolution as a media and entertainment company, with a heightened focus on content expansion,” said Lee Trink, FaZe Clan CEO. “Content and talent have always been the nucleus of our organization. With UTA’s powerful network and skill at aligning brands for high-impact opportunities, FaZe will further accelerate our indisputable growth trajectory.”

UTA’s esports division also represents some of the most well-known names in the industry including Rachel “Valkyrae” Hofstetter, Imane “Pokimane” Anys, Seth “Scump” Abner and Hikaru “Grandmaster Hikaru” Nakamura, among others.

“Through its execution of innovative concepts such as #FaZe5, FaZe has cultivated an unprecedented fanbase and has established itself at the forefront of entertainment, technology and culture,” said Damon Lau, head of esports at UTA. “We look forward to partnering with the team on developing one-of-a-kind content to further grow their audience.”

Photo courtesy of FaZe Clan

More from Venn

JOIN THE VENN
COMMUNITY

Stay up-to-date on upcoming shows, guests and artists

JOIN THE VENN
COMMUNITY

Stay up-to-date on upcoming shows, guests and artists