The pro eSports team 'FENNEL,' operated by Fennel Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Ryo Takashima), has announced the renewal of its sponsorship agreement with DUNLOP (Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.; Headquarters: Kobe, Hyogo; President: Yasuaki Kuniyasu) for its VALORANT and VALORANT GC (women's) teams.

About DUNLOP DUNLOP is a leading global rubber products manufacturer operating three main businesses: tires, sports, and industrial products. In the sports sector, it has supported numerous top athletes over many years through its technological expertise in fields such as golf and tennis. In the eSports sector, starting with the 2022 release of the 'DUNLOP Gaming Muscle Arm Supporter' specifically for FPS/TPS games, it continues to support the physical health of eSports players through two main pillars: products to enhance game performance and body care products like recovery wear, which launched in September 2025.

Background of Contract Renewal FENNEL and DUNLOP first signed a sponsorship agreement in 2025. With DUNLOP's mission of 'Enriching customers' sports life' and FENNEL's position as a leader in the eSports scene, both companies shared the goal of contributing to the performance enhancement and condition maintenance of players in the new sports field of eSports. They have focused on joint product development leveraging their respective resources and insights.

Through one year of collaboration, a cycle has been established where feedback from top players is directly reflected in product development. Based on these achievements and promising results, both parties agreed to further develop the partnership, leading to this contract renewal.

Future Developments In the second year of this contract, the companies plan to accelerate joint product development and expand player conditioning support centered on recovery wear. From the perspective of physical care to support long hours of play, both companies will focus on creating an environment that maximizes individual player performance.

They also plan to announce specific new products co-developed by the partners within this year. Please look forward to further announcements.

Comments from Keiji Moriyama, Executive Officer at DUNLOP 'I am very pleased to renew our sponsorship agreement with FENNEL. The eSports market is expanding globally, and the challenges undertaken by FENNEL, which operates at its core, strongly resonate with our company's stance of "Challenge and Innovation." DUNLOP will continue to support an environment where players can demonstrate their best performance and contribute to the further development of eSports.'

Comments from Ryo Takashima, President of FENNEL 'The performance of eSports athletes is significantly influenced by physical condition, not just tactics and skills. The fact that DUNLOP, which has supported world-class athletes with its technology, and FENNEL's players fighting on the front lines are working together on product development is of immense value not just to our team, but to the entire Japanese eSports scene. In the second year, in addition to expanding player support focused on recovery wear, we plan to announce new joint development products within the year. We look forward to continuing to grow eSports as part of a "richer sports life" through our joint efforts.'

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Partnership