One of the world's premier esports organisations, London's Fnatic, is exploring a potential sale that could see it valued at approximately $100m (£74.7m), Sky News can reveal.
Strategic Move Following External Interest
The company, which has its headquarters in east London, has hired the specialist sports advisory firm Oakwell Advisory to oversee talks with interested parties. This decision comes after Fnatic received unsolicited expressions of interest from potential bidders looking at either a minority investment or a complete takeover of the business.
Founded in 2004 by Sam Mathews and his mother Anne, Fnatic cemented its legendary status by winning the inaugural League of Legends World Championship in 2011. It has since grown into a global powerhouse, with offices in London, Berlin, and Tokyo, and was an early Western adopter of a dedicated training facility in South Korea.
A Flagship Brand for New Investors
Sources indicate that the interest in Fnatic has come from a diverse range of investors, including those from the traditional sports and media sectors. These parties are reportedly seeking a flagship esports brand to capitalise on the industry's explosive growth and its powerful connection with younger audiences.
Beyond its competitive success in games like Valorant, Counter-Strike 2, and Rainbow Six, Fnatic has also been a commercial innovator. It was the first esports team to launch a professional hardware division, Fnatic Gear, which sold over one million products like keyboards and mice before its performance line was acquired by Sony.
The organisation boasts high-profile collaborations with brands such as Gucci and Hello Kitty and is reported to be operating close to breaking even. Its competitive pedigree remains strong, having recently qualified for its ninth League of Legends World Championship and reached the Valorant Champions 2025 Grand Final in Paris.
Leadership Open to Strategic Opportunities
In a statement, founder and CEO Sam Mathews addressed the strategic review. "As a global leader in competitive gaming, we are constantly evaluating strategic opportunities to scale our international footprint and enhance our performance capabilities," he said.
"We remain open to exploring various financing options that align with our long-term vision for the continuous growth of esports and gaming."
Oakwell Advisory, now guiding Fnatic through this process, is concurrently advising on other major deals within the sports industry, including in cycling and wrestling. This move signals a significant moment of maturation and potential consolidation within the multi-billion pound global esports sector.
