Cloud9 and Kia America Elevate Partnership: Introducing Cloud9 Kia

In a significant move, Cloud9, one of the world’s most iconic esports organizations, has announced the expansion of its partnership with Kia America. As of January 14, 2025, Kia will become the entitlement partner for Cloud9’s League of Legends team, rebranding the team as Cloud9 Kia.

A Year of Growth and Resilience

The past year has seen a strong alignment between Cloud9 and Kia, built on shared values of performance, innovation, and trust. This partnership has been instrumental in supporting the team’s journey, reflecting both organizations’ commitment to excellence.

“Kia has been a crucial partner in our team’s success, and their dedication to innovation mirrors our own philosophy,” said Jack Etienne, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Cloud9. “Together, as Cloud9 Kia, we are excited to continue raising the bar in esports performance and fan engagement.”

Enhanced Partnership Initiatives

The enhanced partnership will see Kia’s presence across all of Cloud9’s League of Legends assets. Fans can expect to see the Kia EV9 prominently featured in digital content, streaming collaborations, and in-person fan experiences. This holistic approach ensures that every facet of Cloud9’s League of Legends ecosystem is powered by Kia’s forward-thinking vision and support.

Russell Wager, Vice President of Marketing at Kia America, emphasized the excitement around this deepened collaboration. “Cloud9 has consistently demonstrated their ability to trust the process and deliver results, a philosophy that resonates deeply with Kia’s commitment to innovation and excellence. We aim to inspire fans and players alike through exciting new initiatives.”

Debut and Upcoming Activations

Cloud9 Kia will make its debut in the upcoming League of the Americas (LTA) competitive season. This launch will be accompanied by a slate of co-branded activations, including exclusive content series, live events, and innovative digital experiences. These initiatives are designed to celebrate the partnership and engage the global Cloud9 community.

The Cloud9 Kia Branding

The new branding reflects a significant step forward in the partnership. Cloud9 Kia will embody the values of both organizations, focusing on peak performance, determination, and teamwork. This rebranding is a testament to the strong bond between Cloud9 and Kia, which has been built over the past year.

Cloud9’s League of Legends Legacy

Cloud9’s League of Legends team boasts a rich history, marked by impressive performances on the international stage. Since its inception in 2013, the team has become a tour de force in the North American region and beyond. Most recently, Cloud9 placed second in the LCS 2023 Championship, earning a spot at LoL Worlds for the 10th time since 2013.

Kia’s Commitment to Esports and Innovation

Kia America’s partnership with Cloud9 is part of its broader commitment to esports and innovation. As the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and WNBA, Kia continues to push boundaries in both automotive and esports realms. Recognized as one of the TIME World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2024, Kia is known for its range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles.

Engaging the Global Community

The partnership between Cloud9 and Kia extends beyond the team itself, encompassing all League of Legends talent, including streamers. This approach ensures a comprehensive engagement strategy that involves every facet of the Cloud9 League of Legends ecosystem.

Fans can stay updated on the latest developments by following Cloud9 Kia on social media and visiting the Cloud9 website. The upcoming season promises exciting new initiatives, live events, and digital experiences that will redefine what’s possible in esports.

Conclusion

The elevation of the partnership between Cloud9 and Kia America marks a new era in esports collaboration. As Cloud9 Kia, the team is poised to continue its legacy of excellence, driven by the shared values of performance, innovation, and trust. With a strong focus on fan engagement and holistic support, this partnership is set to inspire fans and players worldwide.