VfB Stuttgart is a new member of the eSport-Bund Deutschland. The aim is to make it clear that “classic sport and eSport are compatible and can complement each other wonderfully in their strengths”
A “groundbreaking step for an eSports organization of a Bundesliga club”: As the eSport-Bund Deutschland (ESBD) announced in a press release, VfB Stuttgart is joining as a new member. With this step, the club is pursuing clear goals: actively shaping the eSports landscape in Germany and promoting social acceptance.
“It is important to us as a club to get involved in eSports, promote social acceptance and proactively help shape the future of eSports. For VfB Stuttgart, such modern topics are also fundamental in its development into a cross-generational and cross-interest sporting home,” explains Alexander Wehrle, CEO of VfB Stuttgart.
Increased awareness of eSports in the soccer cosmos
The membership is not only intended to strengthen the association’s work, but also the perception of eSports in the entire soccer cosmos. “This membership makes it clear that traditional sport and eSports are compatible and can complement each other wonderfully in terms of their strengths – especially where there is a strong fan base behind their club and team,” says Christopher Flato, Vice President of the ESBD. In its press release, the federal association described VfB Stuttgart as a “pioneer in German eSports”.
The Swabians entered eSports for the first time in 2017, followed by a return to the Virtual Bundesliga in 2022 after a two-year break. In the meantime, Stuttgart has even expanded its involvement. In June, the runners-up in the Bundesliga announced their entry into League of Legends. Together with Engines Stuttgart e.V., they also recently launched the establishment of an academy team for LoL.
