Indian eSports and fantasy gaming firm Mobile Premier League (MPL) has signed a new deal with Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as their principal sponsor.

The renewed association, which began last year, will see MPL partner with KKR for three years, starting from IPL 2021 until 2023. 

“We started our partnership with MPL as principal sponsors for both KKR and TKR (Trinbago Knight Riders) in 2020 and are delighted that they will continue as long-term principal sponsors for KKR,” said Venky Mysore, chief executive officer and managing director, KKR.

“MPL is a vibrant e-sports company which has grown rapidly through some amazing energy and innovation… It’s been a great journey for KKR with MPL and we look forward to deepening and broadening our relationship.”

https://twitter.com/KKRiders/status/1377198991843028995 

MPL, which hosts a plethora of real-money games and casual games, including fantasy sports, on its platform, aims to engage fans during IPL 2021 through this new deal.

“Last year's beginning was fruitful for the brands and we organised some great fan engagement activities together, which we will take forward this year and in the subsequent editions of the IPL," said Sai Srinivas co-founder and chief executive officer, MPL.

Through this deal, the MPL logo will be placed on the front of KKR’s jersey, giving the mobile gaming giant ample visibility.

Founded in 2018 by Sai Srinivas and Shubh Malhotra, the Bangalore-based gaming firm wants to register 30 million new users by the end of IPL 2021 and reach the 100 million user mark.

The 14th edition of the Indian Premier League will begin on April 9, 2021.

Kolkata Knight Riders, who won the tournament in 2012 and 2014, have Andre Russell, Dinesh Karthik, Eoin Morgan and Harbhajan Singh playing for them this season. 

They will play their first match of IPL 2021 against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 11 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.