Virtual sports reality operator SimWin Sports announced its roster of entrepreneurs and content creators has expanded with the addition of three new celebrities who teamed as the Houston Hyenas.
‘Inclusive, Diverse and Equitable Ownership Base’
SimWin added Emmanuel Acho, Sara “Lovestyle” Hood, and Edward Madongorere who formed the Houston Hyenas, a group seeking “to represent a diverse fanbase that reflects each owner’s unique background.”
SimWin Sports’ founder and former senior producer at EA Sports, creative director at Sony’s sports studio, and executive producer for Warner Bros, David J. Ortiz, commented that the new group would highlight SimWin Sports’ efforts “to promote an inclusive, diverse and equitable ownership base” by leveraging their “outstanding professional accolades in the tech and media industries,” as well as newfound commitment SimWin Sports’ long-term vision about the metaverse.
The three new additions to the roster of the operator of virtual football and basketball hail from the state of Texas and will dedicate their efforts to empowering minority-owned businesses.
“We are thrilled to welcome Emmanuel, Sara, Ed, and of course, the Houston Hyenas, to SimWin and look forward to seeing the Houston Hyenas’ debut, along with the remainder of star-studded teams,” Ortiz concluded.
Magic Johnson, Jerry Rice, Marshall Faulk, Mike Singletary, Tracy McGrady, Jen Welter, Penny Hardaway, and LaMelo Ball are the other owners in the league which runs powered with blockchain technology by Horizen Labs and mirrors real life via a player performance model comprising hot and cold streaks.
Texas Link Special for the Houston Hyenas
Expressing her preference for Ortiz’s leadership and team, as well as Ortiz’s “pivotal role in ensuring that ownership opportunities have been accessible to black and brown investors,” as well as increasing representation of black women in sports, Hood was delighted to “be a partner in the Houston Hyenas alongside Ed and Emmanuel.”
Former NFL linebacker Acho pointed out that the Dallas connection in the investment made it a special one for him.
“As a Dallas native and the University of Texas at Austin graduate, this is a very special investment opportunity to be a part of the acquisition of the Houston Hyenas and the SimWin Sports family,” he stated, hailing “the opportunity to own a franchise” as the “next level” to him.
Users can buy, sell, trade, and train their selections of NFT players in the league that features investors such as Animoca Brands, Bron Studios, Kingsway Capital, YOLO Investments, and 1UP Ventures.
In October, Tekkorp Capital Partners signed an agreement with SimWin Sports to support its product and business development, as well as marketing and corporate strategy in the digital gaming space.