Nissan levels up into the world of esports with FaZe Clan and OpTic Gaming partnership

• Nissan is the first automaker to partner with both FaZe Clan and OpTic Gaming - two of the biggest esports teams in the world
• The sponsorship will introduce Nissan to an estimated 453 million video game streaming and competitive esports viewers
• The campaign will feature the Nissan Armada, Altima, Kicks and the all-electric Nissan LEAF

NASHVILLE – Nissan is entering the world of competitive esports and video game streaming by becoming the first automaker to partner with two of the biggest teams in the space – FaZe Clan and OpTic Gaming.

"For any company trying to reach the Gen Z and millennial-minded audience, streaming and esports is an enormous opportunity," said Robert Cross, director, media and activation, Nissan North America, Inc. "We believe this partnership presents a new approach in introducing ourselves and connecting with millions of fans through their favorite gamers."

According to Newzoo’s 2019 Global esports Market Report, the global esports audience will grow to 453.8 million worldwide in 2019. Additionally, in 2018, the YouTube and Twitch audience for esports was larger than the viewership of HBO, Netflix and ESPN combined.

Based in the Hollywood Hills, FaZe Clan is the most subscribed esports team in the world. The team competes in competitive titles such as Call of Duty, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, FIFA, Fortnite Battle Royale, PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds and Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege. Additionally, FaZe Clan is known for the lifestyle brand it has built through merchandise and celebrity players streaming on Twitch and YouTube.

"We are thrilled to have an innovative automotive company like Nissan as a sponsor and brand partner," said Lee Trink, CEO, FaZe Clan. "We look forward to creating compelling content together for this exciting relationship."

Founded in 2006, the Texas-based OpTic Gaming organization competes worldwide for some of the most recognizable titles in esports, including Call of Duty, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Gears of War, League of Legends, Overwatch and Fortnite Battle Royale.

"It’s an honor for OpTic to introduce Nissan to esports," said Ryan Musselman, president, OpTic Gaming. "Nissan has been innovating since the 1930’s, and we believe the crossover of our engaged and tech-savvy fan base will help drive Nissan’s continued history of improving the lives of vehicle owners through their unique approach of technological integration."

As part of the agreement, the Nissan logo will proudly appear on the FaZe Clan and OpTic Gaming competition jerseys. Additionally, team members will have access to Nissan vehicles to integrate into social and digital content. Vehicles involved will include the Nissan Armada, Altima, Kicks and the all-electric Nissan LEAF.

"Both FaZe Clan and OpTic Gaming bring a unique audience to the Nissan family. We could not have chosen better partners to help Nissan authentically connect with the cultural phenomenon that is esports worldwide," Cross said.

With the announcement, Nissan adds esports to its roster of athletic partnerships, which already includes a 12-year partnership with the Heisman Trust as well as sponsorships of college athletics across the states. Nissan is also the title sponsor of Nissan Stadium in Nashville, home of the NFL Tennessee Titans.

To find out more about the complete lineup of 2019 Nissan cars, truck and SUVs, please visit NissanNews.com.

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized annually by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year since 2010. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and INFINITI vehicles can be found online at www.nissanusa.com and www.infinitiusa.com, or visit the U.S. media sites nissannews.com and infinitinews.com.

About Nissan Motor Co.
Nissan is a global full-line vehicle manufacturer that sells more than 60 models under the Nissan, INFINITI and Datsun brands. In fiscal year 2017, the company sold 5.77 million vehicles globally, generating revenue of 11.9 trillion yen. On April 1, 2017, the company embarked on Nissan M.O.V.E. to 2022, a six-year plan targeting a 30% increase in annualized revenues to 16.5 trillion yen by the end of fiscal 2022, along with cumulative free cash flow of 2.5 trillion yen. As part of Nissan M.O.V.E. to 2022, the company plans to extend its leadership in electric vehicles, symbolized by the world's best-selling all-electric vehicle in history, the Nissan LEAF. Nissan’s global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, manages operations in six regions: Asia & Oceania; Africa, the Middle East & India; China; Europe; Latin America; and North America. Nissan has partnered with French manufacturer Renault since 1999 and acquired a 34% stake in Mitsubishi Motors in 2016. The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance sold 10.76 million vehicles combined in calendar year 2018.

For more information about our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit
nissan-global.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.

About FaZe Clan
FaZe Clan is a globally renowned esports organization, known predominantly for its roster of exceptional YouTube vloggers, live streamers and award-winning pro-players. Since its creation in 2010, it has become one of the largest brands in gaming history, with a total of 200 million global fans. FaZe Clan cultivates and manages incredible talent who exist at the intersection of mainstream gaming and pop culture. FaZe Clan provides pro teams and content creators the tools they need to maintain excellence in entertainment and bring gaming and gamer lifestyle to the world through meaningful verticals.

About OpTic Gaming
Founded in 2006, OpTic Gaming is an industry-defining esports, media, and entertainment organization. With an audience built up over a decade, they are widely recognized for their extensive impact, passionately engaged global audience, and astounding rate of competitive success. Their reach includes teams in major esports scenes, including League of Legends, Call of Duty, CS:GO and Gears of War. For more information follow OpTic Gaming on social media @OpTicGaming or visit OpTicGaming.gg.

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	Media Contacts
	Wendy Orthman Senior Manager, Truck & Brand Communications 313-971-4933 Wendy.Orthman@Nissan-usa.com
	Jeff Wandell Manager, EV Communications 615-725-1448 jeff.wandell@nissan-usa.com