Philadelphia 76ers two-time All-Star forward Ben Simmons has joined one of the most popular esports teams in the industry as an investor and brand ambassador, under the name “FaZe Simmon”, according to ESPN’s Arda Ocal.
Simmons will be an ambassador to the organization for content and an advocate for gaming, esports, and the expansion of FaZe Clan globally. Terms regarding the investment that Simmons made were not disclosed, but his investments is part of a Series B funding round that has not yet closed.
“My role with FaZe now goes much deeper than the initial investment,” Simmons said, according to Forbes’ Christina Settimi. “I am going to bring it back to Australia and bring an international side to it. I also want to bring more kids into it.”
Simmons is no stranger to gaming, esports or even the world of Twitch streams, as he has his own channel on Twitch, where he frequently plays games such as Call of Duty, and is closing in on 50,000 followers.
FaZe Clan continues to grow, and valued $240 million in its most recent ranking of the Forbes’ most valuable esports organizations.
“Ben’s investment is significant not just in terms of dollars but in how he can use his persona to impact the business,” FaZe Clan CEO and co-owner Lee Trink said. “He’s an OG gamer here, was part of the FaZe community long before he had fame and money. This is a continuation of his involvement with us.”
