The North American organization FlyQuest was acquired by the Viola family office, an investment fund headed by an American billionaire businessman and a veteran of the American army, and which notably owns the sports team playing in the NHL (National Hockey League) of the Florida Panthers.
FlyQuest changes ownership
Officially created on January 6, 2017 following the acquisition of the Cloud9 Challenger roster, sister team of the Cloud9 organization following its qualification in the LCS (the regulations of the North American league prohibiting an organization from having several teams within a same league), FlyQuest was until now affiliated with the NBA team Milwaukee Bucks. Featured in League of Legends and Super Smash Bros. Melee, this structure also made a short appearance on Rocket League between 2017 and 2018, but in December 2018, it announced that it was retiring from the RLCS scene.
While the 2022 season is already over for FlyQuest, its first team having failed to qualify for the 2022 League of Legends Worlds, the club made an important announcement in the last few hours; FlyQuest was acquired by the Viola family, owners of Sunrise Sports and Entertainment, which is the parent company of the NHL (National Hockey League) Florida Panthers which it acquired in 2013. The Viola family has purchased FlyQuest from Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Wesley Edens and Fortress Investment Group, and at this time financial details regarding the price of the acquisition have not been disclosed.
We’re excited regarding the future of esports, and we were drawn to FlyQuest’s culture and commitment to playing for a greater purpose. We are excited to lead FlyQuest into its next chapter as a mission-driven organization that competes at the highest level both in North America and on the global stage.
Michael Viola, President of Viola family office
According to the announcement, the new owners will continue the organization’s “Showcase Greatness” spirit through activations, partnerships, and expanding into other esports titles in the months/years to come; back in January, Panthers chief strategy officer Sam Doerr told the Sports Business Journal that Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Rocket League and Call of Duty were three very promising esports scenes for the Florida Panthers, so FlyQuest might appear there in 2023. This acquisition should not change the internal direction of FlyQuest, as the Viola family intends to work closely with those already present to build on the existing structure; Michael Choi will remain FlyQuest’s CEO, having been recently appointed following the departure of former CEO Tricia Sugita in June.
