AURA & Echo Team Joins Forces With Netherlands-based Team Liquid: Pioneering A New Era In Esports
(Press Release)
Jakarta — AURA & Echo Team is thrilled to announce their acquisition by the globally renowned esports organization, Team Liquid. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in their journey, combining the expertise and resources of both teams to elevate competitiveness and expand their reach in the global esports market.
The primary motivation for AURA & Echo Team in embracing Team Liquid's acquisition offer lies in the synergy of combining AURA's regional strength with Team Liquid's global platform and extensive experience. This partnership promises to accelerate the growth, bringing unparalleled opportunities for both the players and fans. Together, the aim is to set new standards in the esports industry.
"Joining Team Liquid is a dream come true," said Daniel Santoso, Chief Brand Officer of AURA. "Liquid's robust brand presence, competitive focus, and global strategy will empower us to achieve our goals on a grander scale. We believe in Team Liquid’s quest to build a global and multi-generational esports organization, and that was a key factor in this partnership."
Key Considerations
The decision to align with Team Liquid was influenced by several key factors. Firstly, Team Liquid's well-established global brand provides a solid platform for future expansion and visibility. Secondly, their financial stability offers the resources needed for ambitious projects and strategic ventures, ensuring steady progress. Thirdly, this collaboration opens doors to new international markets, enhancing our global presence and influence. Lastly, the shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustained growth in esports forms a strong foundation for the partnership, aligning our values and goals seamlessly. This aligns with how Team Liquid views Aura and Echo.
“We have always admired the intensity and loyalty of fans in Indonesia and the Philippines, which we’ve experienced firsthand in esports events in the past. When we saw an opportunity to strengthen our presence in Southeast Asia with these incredible competitive teams, we knew we had to do it with an organization built with the same values and philosophy as our own. We found that partner in the staff and fans of AURA and ECHO,” said Victor Goossens, Co-CEO of Team Liquid.
AURA Esports’ and ECHO Mobile Legends: Bang Bang teams, currently competing in MPL Indonesia and MPL Philippines, are the crown jewels of this acquisition. AURA and ECHO ranked as the 6th most-watched esports organization globally of all of 2023, with a significant portion of its viewership from MLBB, according to Esports Charts. Team Liquid, already the 4th most-watched organization of 2023, is poised to reclaim its position
Impact on Long-Term Vision and Strategy
This acquisition aligns seamlessly with AURA & ECHO's vision to be a leader in the esports world. By expanding the operational quality and scope, Aura & Echo trust that they can leverage combined resources for innovation, talent development, and market expansion. Their unified mission is to elevate the standards of esports globally.
Integration and Rebranding
AURA & Echo are thrilled to unveil their phased integration plan: During the upcoming playoffs in Indonesia and the Philippines, scheduled for June, they will closely collaborate with Team Liquid, highlighting the synergy of their partnership. Then, as the new season commences, AURA & Echo will seamlessly transition to operating solely under the Team Liquid banner. Their entities in Indonesia and the Philippines will be rebranded as Team Liquid ID and Team Liquid PH, respectively, symbolizing their joint commitment to excellence and their shared vision for the future of esports in the region.
As for the Team formations, adaptations may be made to maximize synergy and effectiveness, but all changes will prioritize the interests of the team and individual players. Anticipated synergies include enhanced resources for player training and development, a global network for sponsorships and media, and the exchange of knowledge and resources between both organizations.
Financial Impact
The acquisition is anticipated to considerably fortify AURA & ECHO's financial standing through expanded access to capital and resources. This enhanced fiscal position will prudently support their ambitious expansion strategies while optimizing cash flow management.
Cultural Integration
Cultural diversity can be a challenge, but not for AURA & ECHO and Team Liquid. Both organizations are committed to a culturally sensitive approach to integration. They will celebrate and respect the uniqueness of each team through cultural exchange activities and programs designed to foster understanding and appreciation of diversity. AURA & ECHO and Team Liquid are excited about this new chapter and confident that their partnership will lead to unprecedented success for AURA/ECHO. Together, they will continue to push the boundaries of excellence and innovation in esports.
About Aura Esports
AURA is a professional esports team based in Indonesia, symbolized by the mighty dragon, emblematic of strength and wisdom. Known for its competitive prowess across various gaming platforms, AURA has quickly established itself as a leading force in Southeast Asian esports. The team is committed to fostering top-tier talent and promoting the growth of esports within the region. AURA’s dedication to excellence resonates with its passionate fan base, propelling the team to new heights in the esports community.
About Echo Esports
ECHO is a professional esports team based in the Philippines, represented by the orca, a symbol of intelligence and agility. As the home of the world champions of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), ECHO has cemented its status as a powerhouse in the global esports landscape. The team is dedicated to nurturing local talent and enhancing the competitive esports culture in the Philippines. With a robust following and a commitment to strategic innovation, ECHO continues to inspire and lead in high-stakes international competitions.
About Liquid Team
Team Liquid is an esports and gaming organization founded in 2000 in Utrecht, the Netherlands, and led by its founder and Co-CEO Victor Goossens, and Co-CEO Steve Arhancet. The organization has 96 athletes competing across multiple esports titles, including League of Legends, CounterStrike2, Dota 2, VALORANT, Rainbow Six Siege, Fortnite, PUBG: Mobile, and more. With over $49M in prize money won from over 7000 tournaments throughout its history, Team Liquid is the most successful esports team in the Western market in terms of competitive achievement, esports viewership, and fan engagement. Their international operations are housed in a facility network with a total combined floor space of 5,500 square meters called the Alienware Training Facilities, located in Utrecht, São Paulo, Brazil, and Los Angeles, California.
In addition to its premier esports team franchises, Liquid Enterprises operates various business units created to complement its athletic brand. This includes a white-label apparel business, working within the wider entertainment and music industry with musicians like DeadMau5, the world’s most popular esports wiki Liquipedia, and a full-service white-label agency; LiquidMedia with clients such as Riot Games, Nike, and Honda.
In September 2016, controlling interest in Team Liquid was purchased by esports ownership group, aXiomatic. aXiomatic leadership includes Co-Executive Chairmen Peter Guber, Ted Leonsis, Jeff Vinik, and Bruce Karsh who together represent an unparalleled team of sports, technology, entertainment, and investment industry titans. Other notable investors include NBA legends Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson, Steve Case, and David M. Rubenstein.
