OverActive Media Group

Overactive Media (OAM) is a Canadian esports organization that operates teams that compete in esports such as Counter Strike, Fortnite, League of Legends to name a few. It also entered the Valorant esports ecosystem in April 2022. The company owns the New York-based esports organization, Splyce, which it acquired in November 2018. In May 2019, OAM also acquired Spanish esports organizations ‘Mad Lions’ through which it operates teams in the League of Legends European Championship and Valorant. 

In addition, Overwatch League franchise Toronto Defiant and Call of Duty League franchise Toronto Ultra operate under Overactive. The ownership of three franchise slots in the Overwatch, Call of Duty and League of Legends franchise leagues is a unique advantage being the only organization to do so. It also announced (April 2022) that it assumed hosting duties for the first-ever Call of Duty League in Canada. In March 2023 , OverActive Media announced that it had signed a fully female Spanish team, MAD Lions Laurë to compete in the VALORANT Game Changers tournament. This move is a part of OverActive's efforts in developing young talent across its professional teams while promoting inclusivity in esports by creating opportunities for women in Spain. 

The company acquired two esports team organizations in March 2024 (KOI and Movistar Riders). OAM looked to boost its esports presence globally by utilizing their networks to increase audience engagement, improve sponsorships, and drive market growth.

It also has a presence in esports content streaming through the acquisition of Toronto-based esports event management company, MediaX, in May 2019. In February 2021,  the company announced plans to build a USD 500 million esports and entertainment arena in Toronto. The new arena, which will occupy 7,000 attendees and is expected to be completed in 2025, will house its esports teams and could potentially act as an international hub for esports and entertainment events. 

Key customers and partnerships

In April 2024 , OverActive Media partnered with CUPRA, making it an official partner of their League of Legends teams MAD Lions KOI and Movistar KOI. 

In June 2023 , OverActive Media reached a CAD 10.8 million (~USD 8.1 million) agreement with the Overwatch League (OWL). The deal included the elimination of entry fees, early payment of revenue share, and a league sponsorship for their OWL franchise, Toronto Defiant. The agreement followed complaints from several OWL teams regarding high operating costs and unfulfilled revenue promises.

Other sponsorship partners include EPOS (a Danish audio and video company), OSL-DeAPlaneta (a Spanish esports brand owned by media group Grupo Planeta), Bell (a Canadian telco company), TD Bank, and Scuf Gaming (a gaming peripherals brand).

Funding and financials

OAM’s funding round of USD 21.5 million raised in October 2018 was utilized for the group's Overwatch League franchise fees and initial operating costs. OAM announced a reverse merger with Abigail Capital to list on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) in March 2021 alongside the closing of a USD 38 million private placement that was followed up by a second closing of USD 1.9 million in April 2021. The reverse merger transaction was completed and OAM was listed in July 2021. 

In 2023, OAM’s total revenue increased by 11% YoY to CAD 15.7 million (~USD 11.5 million). The company’s full-year adjusted EBITDA loss reduced 29% YoY to CAD 6.2 million (~USD 4.5 million). These developments were mainly attributed to deep engagement with its audience, improved team performances and live events, and strong and enduring brand partnerships. Furthermore, the company also recorded a much lower net loss in 2023 of CAD 12.5 million (~USD 9.2 million), compared to 2022’s CAD 36.9 million (~USD 27 million).