US esports team the Pittsburgh Knights has signed a new shirt deal with local convenience store chain Sheetz.
Under the deal, Sheetz will become a Champion Partner of the Knights, with branding on the team’s playing jersey.
In February this year, Sheetz began streaming on Twitch and chatting with esports fans while playing games such as Apex Legends and Playerunknown’s Battlegrounds.
Sheetz also held gaming gear giveaways on Twitter, which paved the way for Sheetz’s first esports partnership, according to a company statement.
James O’Connor, president of the Pittsburgh Knights, said: “Sheetz is a great fit for gaming culture. People play video games at night and suddenly realise it’s late and they’re hungry – ‘Sheetz runs’ are a real thing.”
Ryan Sheetz, assistant vice president of brand strategies at Sheetz, added: “We know that gamers are in and out of our stores every day because we have an offer and an experience that matches their lifestyle.”
The Knights compete in titles such as Call of Duty, Fornite, Super Smash Bros. and Playerunknown’s Battlegrounds, and in the Pro League and Paladins Premier League competitions. The team’s other partners currently include US gaming accessories brand HyperX and frozen pizza brand Totino’s.
Last year, the Knights received an investment from local NFL franchise the Pittsburgh Steelers. The amount was not disclosed.
Sheetz was founded in the Knights’ home state of Pennsylvania in 1952. It now has 589 stores across Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and Maryland.
As a brand, Sheetz is known for its MTO (Made to Order) products, touch screen order terminals and 24/7 opening hours.