Just when you think things couldn’t become any weirder in the world of MTG, Wizards of the Coast (WoTC) announced their partnership with the English Soccer team, Leyton Orient F.C earlier today.
The announcement came on Twitter with both Magic Europe and Leyton Orient F.C. accounts announcing the news of the very surprising partnership. Coupling the announcement was a photo of Ajani at The Breyer Group Stadium in London.
Magic: The Gathering Enters the World of Sports
As part of this partnership, Leyton Orient F.C’s gaming and back of training wear will feature Magic: The Gathering logos and trademarks for the 2021/22 season. Either way, there seems to be plenty of excitement from both parties with this unusual collaboration.
Josh Stephens, Leyton Orient’s Head of Commercial, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Magic: The Gathering this season. With strategy, logic and dedication being integral parts in both Magic and Leyton Orient game play, the partnership really is the perfect fit.”
Brian Trunk, Sr. Director and Head of EMEA & LATAM, Wizards of the Coast (WoTC), said: “We are so excited for Magic: The Gathering to be venturing into the realm of football this season. Leyton Orient is an ambitious and exciting club and a fantastic match for our drive to always push the boundaries to deliver the highest quality entertainment to our fans. We very much see this partnership as a winning combination!”
It’s unlikely we’ll hear anything more about the partnership for some time, especially as Leyton Orient are a relatively small soccer team. However, it will be interesting to see why and how this partnership came to be.
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Who Are Leyton Orient F.C?
Founded in 1881, Leyton Orient F.C play in the English Football (Soccer) League (EFL) League Two and are based in London. They are often called ‘The O’s’ and have rivalries across London and Essex with teams such as Millwall F.C, West Ham United, and Southend United.
It will be interesting to see if anything else comes from the partnership outside of adorning training wear and merch. Maybe Magic: The Gathering could eventually become the kit sponsor of Leyton Orient F.C, which in turn could make for desirable merch for MTG players and collectors.
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