Team Spirit, Nike partner up for esports fashion collection

Fans of Team Spirit’s Counter-Strike and Dota 2 teams can show their pride with official team apparel from Nike.

Moscow-based esports organization Team Spirit and sports apparel company Nike have launched a clothing partnership called Spirited. The collection includes activewear, shirts, and a custom pair of Nike kicks. This collaboration marks the return of esports fashion collaborations, which spiked in popularity just before the offline era.

Five total pieces are included in the first Team Spirit x Nike release, all of which carry a sizable price tag. The headlining hoodie costs almost $120. Alongside it is a pair of branded sweatpants complete and full loungewear set. The t-shirt has the phrase “Time To Unleash Our Spirit” written on the back while the long-sleeve option has a flashy dragon graphic. The Team Spirit logo-emblazoned sneakers run for the same price as the hoodie.

This collaboration comes after a series of successful outings for Team Spirit’s CSGO and Dota 2 teams. Spirit dominated the CIS qualifier for the $40,000,000 The International 2021 in October. The tactical shooter division just locked up $80,000 championship at Pinnacle Cup 2 and is positioned for a spot in the upcoming PGL Stockholm Major. Team Spirit CSGO will next appear at ESL Pro League Season 14, where 24 teams will battle for $750,000.

Esports fashion collaborations returning in 2021

Esports and fashion partnerships were a rising trend just before the online era. Puma marketed their sock-like Active Gaming Footwear as competitive esports apparel. British esports organization Fnatic made a watch with Gucci in June 2020. Louis Vuitton famously skipped the esports middleman and struck a direct collaboration with Riot Games for the 2020 League of Legends World Championship. 

Esports has always had a close connection with modern fashion. Several grassroots esports fashion brands including Jisu.gg and H4X have sprouted around competitive gaming. A recently formed initiative known as the Esports Fashion Group plans to host an Esports Fashion Week later this year in conjunction with H4X and jersey supplier We Are Nation. Esports and fashion might regain some momentum now that offline play has returned to major esports.