Gamers Include Marshawn Lynch, Ochocinco, 49ers’ Josh Johnson, Ravens’ Marcus Peters, Raiders’ Maxx Crosby and More
The Ultimate Gaming League (UGL) and Antares Gaming today announced the launch of four gaming franchises comprised of current and former NFL stars as well as pro gamers entitled: Da Fam Gaming, Ochocinco Gaming, 4 Brothers Gaming and Glitxh Gaming. For the first time, gaming teams can invite their millions of fans to join the team, not just watch the team. Once fans are selected to join, they will have an opportunity to showcase their content on a bigger stage and earn exclusive rewards such as gaming time with their favorite athletes and celebrities.
The launch of the franchises will culminate in a draft on Monday, December 21, where the captains of each team will draft members to their semi-pro gaming teams that will compete in ongoing seasons of Call of Duty, NBA 2K, Madden and FIFA.
Da Fam Gaming is led by captain and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Josh Johnson and legendary running back Marshawn Lynch. Also joining Da Fam Gaming is Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marcus Peters and Pro Madden player BAM.
“Da Fam is an extension of ourselves, a way to show the world what we’re all about,” said Johnson, who also serves as Chief Athlete Officer of UGL and Co-Founder of Fam 1st Family Foundation.
“Just like with our foundation, Da Fam is a way for us to reach a new generation of thinkers and activists, connecting everyone together to build a better future. If you’re committed to making a better, more connected world and you’re a beast on the sticks, we want you.”
Ochocinco Gaming takes the namesake of famed wide receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson. He is joined by cornerbacks and avid gamers Darius Slay (Philadelphia Eagles) and Desmond King (Tennessee Titans).
“UGL and Antares are the next steps in the evolution of how gaming teams are built and run, and Ochocinco Gaming is at the pinnacle of that movement,” said Ochocinco. “Other teams ‒ like Marshawn’s for example ‒ simply can’t compete with mine.”
“We’ll see about that,” replied Lynch, who is preparing for a Da Fam vs. Ochocinco showdown.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby captains 4 Brothers Gaming and Raiders running back Josh Jacobs and quarterback and gaming manager Brogan Roback fill out the roster.
“Gaming has always brought me, my friends and teammates together no matter where life took us,” said Crosby. “Gaming builds a brotherhood no matter what walk of life you come from. That is what 4 Brothers is about, so tap in and join the squad.”
Sidney Jones IV captains Glitxh Gaming and is joined by NFL wide receivers Preston Williams (Miami Dolphins) and Rashard Higgins (Cleveland Browns). Also joining the team is Avonte Maddox, cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles.
“We’re the next generation of gamers and we aren’t afraid to play anyone, anytime, anywhere,” said Jones IV. “Join our Yank Squad and be a part of gaming history.”
Players from around the world have the opportunity to be drafted for competitive spots on each team and earn prizes and incentives by participating in team activities. All spectators, gamers and content creators are invited to be active participants on their favorite squad and applications for the league can be found at www.antaresgaming.com.
Each franchise is recruiting their army of influencers which will officially kick off with the first franchise event – the UGL’s Pros vs. Joes Call of Duty Deathmatch presented by HyperX featuring 16 NFL athletes and the UGL gaming community on Tuesday, December 15.
UGL is powered by Antares Gaming, a novel celebrity-driven franchise-building organization, and Opera Event, an influencer management platform.
“This is about building a diverse community of all ages, genders, races and ethnicities and opening up the broad possibilities gaming has to offer,” said Dushan Batrovic, CEO of Antares Gaming. “We enable celebs to build a real connection with their fans. Sure, if you’re good at Madden or CoD, come join one of our four launch teams. But that’s not all. We want the musicians, actors, comedians and philosophers who love gaming as well. Gaming is great but it could be so much more.”
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