FaZe Clan has a famous new member.
15-year-old Bronny James was recently announced as the newest member of the professional eSports organization. He joins fellow athletes JuJu Smith-Schuster, Ben Simmons, and Josh Hart on the virtual games bandwagon.
He's got n̶e̶x̶t̶ now.
Join us in welcoming Bronny James to FaZe Clan 👑 pic.twitter.com/bbWAPUqHJr
— FaZe Clan (@FaZeClan) August 30, 2020
The move will surely boost James’ online reputation, although it is already quite high. The Sierra Canyon high school star is the son of the NBA’s greatest player and will have his pick of division 1 schools to continue ball.
Since the announcement, James has gained an additional nearly 100,000 Instagram followers and has seen his views on Twitch skyrocket up 855%.
FaZe Clan head of communications Chelsey Northern clarified James’ position within the organization. “He does not have a contract with FaZe Clan… It’s an organic relationship between the talent and Bronny. He is an official member of FaZe, it’s just not a contractual or financial relationship.”
The signing is a symbiotic relationship that will expand FaZe Clan’s athletic profile and will introduce Bronny to an all-new circle of online followers.
Most notably, rapper Logic recently retired from music and began a full-time career with Twitch. The move capitalized on his already large Twitch following and love for video games.
Super excited to partner with @twitch. Looking forward to hanging with you guys. pic.twitter.com/bR8CMwfjXY
— Vinyl Richie (@Logic301) July 20, 2020
James is currently ranked as the 24th best prospect in ESPN’s 2023 recruiting rankings for high-school basketball players.
Money is clearly not an issue with James, who will likely be able to play collegiate ball free of charge. Furthermore, his forthcoming professional career will be his main priority in the next few years.
Before things get underway.. let's all give our thanks to the incredible team at @ATLFaZe for this unforgettable season.
From the players to the staff to Atlanta, we thank you.
Now we bring this one home. #EZAF pic.twitter.com/rVblYOhGTz
— FaZe Clan (@FaZeClan) August 30, 2020
The Los Angeles-based FaZe Clan is known for its lavish lifestyle, frat-like personalities, and top expertise within the online gaming community. Hundreds of millions of monthly views and pricey merchandising are just two of the benefits that James will receive in his initiation.
The move once again will help bridge the gap between athlete-fame and gamer-fame. It is a slightly surprising combination that has picked up significant steam in recent years, and will only grow with James’ addition.
We look forward to seeing James expand his online profile with FaZe Clan. A few years from now, we will be tuning in to his professional draft selection.