Through the deal, Sports Illustrated is set to become SimWin’s presenting partner with several brand touchpoints and integrations across the platform.

SimWin provides daily fantasy players and esports fans with the ability to watch, predict and play, with its 24/7 fantasy action for American football and basketball driven by virtual athletes playing on teams owned by various sporting and entertainment icons.

This includes Magic Johnson (Los Angeles Magic), Mike Singletary (Dallas Rottweilers), Tracy McGrady (Orlando T-Rex) and Penny Hardaway (Memphis Knights) among many others.

“We are delighted to partner with Sports Illustrated, the most trusted name in sports, as they continue their foray into the metaverse sports space,” said SimWin Sports CEO David J. Ortiz. “This partnership will bridge our web3 audience to the traditional sports universe – two realms that are converging rapidly – and optimise engagement with the rabid fans SI has cultivated for generations.”

Moreover, Sports Illustrated will become owners of American football, basketball and football teams in SimWin’s virtual leagues, operating under the name The Midnight Train.

Dan Dienst, Executive Vice Chairman, Tactical Opportunities at Authentic Brands Group, owner of the Sports Illustrated brand, commented: “Sports Illustrated lives at the intersection of sports and culture, and our continued expansion into the metaverse is an organic next step for the most trusted brand in sports.

“As Authentic continues to build out its sports, media and web3 verticals, we are thrilled to partner with SimWin as well as become proud owners of three teams in SimWin’s virtual sports leagues.”