Coinbase Named Exclusive Crypto Partner for Riot Games Esports and Fan Engagement

Coinbase Becomes Exclusive Crypto Exchange Partner for Riot Games Esports

Coinbase has entered into a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Riot Games, becoming the exclusive crypto exchange and official blockchain partner for both League of Legends and Valorant global esports events. The partnership will debut at the Valorant Masters event in Toronto in June, with Coinbase set to introduce fan engagement opportunities across both games' global esports calendars, including social media campaigns, broadcast integrations, and technical features. New in-game segments such as the "Econ Report" for Valorant and "Gold Grind" for League of Legends will provide viewers with analysis of in-match currency movement and its impact on team strategies. Additionally, viewers can expect rewards through drops with redeemable emotes and icons, as well as promotional opportunities like all-expenses-paid trips to major competitions. Coinbase also plans to explore Web3 integrations to enhance the fan experience, although no specific plans have been established yet. This move follows Riot Games' previous sponsorship with FTX, which collapsed after FTX's bankruptcy in 2022. The FTX deal was reportedly worth approximately $100 million, with the largest payments due in later years, meaning Riot may not have received much of the cash. FTX had also signed a 10-year, $210 million sponsorship with Team SoloMid (TSM), which ended after the exchange's demise. TSM has since announced plans to build on the Avalanche blockchain network. (Source: Decrypt)

Coinbase is now the exclusive crypto exchange for @lolesports and @ValorantEsports global events. — Coinbase (@coinbase) May 6, 2025

Key Takeaways:

• Coinbase is the exclusive crypto exchange partner for League of Legends and Valorant esports.
• New in-game analysis segments and viewer rewards will be introduced.
• The deal follows the collapse of Riot’s previous $100 million FTX sponsorship.

Gemini Appoints Brad Vopni to Lead Institutional Strategy

Crypto exchange Gemini has hired Brad Vopni as head of institutional, where he will oversee and execute the firm's institutional strategy. Vopni joins Gemini from Hudson River Trading, where he spent six years as head of digital assets and led the firm’s expansion into the crypto space. Prior to that, he was involved in the development and launch of the industry’s first actively-managed, portfolio-protected exchange-traded product at NextShares LLC. Gemini is already working with ETF providers such as VanEck, Purpose, Evolve, 7RCC, and Monochrome. Vopni emphasized Gemini’s focus on safety, security, and compliance, stating that the platform is well positioned to serve the growing institutional community. In March, Gemini also hired Dan Chen as its new chief financial officer. (Source: CoinDesk)

Key Takeaways:

• Brad Vopni will lead Gemini’s institutional strategy.
• Vopni previously led digital assets at Hudson River Trading.
• Gemini collaborates with major ETF providers and recently appointed a new CFO.

VanEck Files to Launch First US ETF Tracking Binance’s BNB

VanEck has filed with the SEC to launch the first U.S. ETF tracking BNB, the token used on Binance’s BNB Chain. VanEck manages $78 billion across 69 ETFs, including the $1.4 billion VanEck Bitcoin ETF (HODL) and the $82.4 million VanEck Ethereum ETF (ETHV). The filing comes as the SEC is processing more than 70 applications for "alt-coin" ETFs, covering tokens such as XRP, HBAR, and Solana. BNB, the fifth-largest cryptocurrency with an $84.4 billion market capitalization, is currently up 1.7% over the past year. The ETF filing notes risks due to Binance’s 2023 settlements with U.S. authorities over money laundering and other charges. Binance’s founder, Changpeng Zhao, spent four months in prison last year after pleading guilty to laundering money on the network. BNB was launched in 2017 through an initial coin offering, and 21Shares already trades a BNB ETF in Europe. (Source: ETF.com)

Key Takeaways:

• VanEck files to launch the first U.S. ETF tracking Binance’s BNB.
• BNB has an $84.4 billion market cap and is up 1.7% over the past year.
• Risks include Binance’s legal issues and founder’s imprisonment.

Bybit Launches Spread Trading for Crypto Markets

Bybit has introduced Spread Trading on its platform, aiming to allow crypto traders to access markets more efficiently and at minimized cost. The tool enables investors to capitalize on price differences between corresponding crypto assets by merging both trades into a single transaction, removing timing risks and execution complexities. Spread Trading supports four trading pairs, including Expiry & Expiry contracts, Expiry & Perpetual contracts, Expiry & Spot markets, and Perpetual & Spot markets. Currently, the service includes BTC, ETH, and SOL, with plans to expand to more digital assets. Key benefits include mitigation of slippage concerns, optimal execution with simultaneous order filling, risk hedging by taking opposite positions in correlated assets, and increased flexibility for strategies such as Funding Rate Arbitrage, Futures Spread, Carry Trade, or Perpetual Basis trading. Previously, Bybit introduced Bybit Card QR Pay in Brazil, integrated with the Pix payment system for real-time transfers and minimized transaction fees. (Source: The Paypers)

• Spread Trading merges buy and sell orders into a single transaction.
• Supports BTC, ETH, and SOL across four trading pair types.
• Reduces slippage, execution risk, and increases strategy flexibility.

Key Takeaways:

• Bybit’s Spread Trading enhances efficiency and risk management for crypto traders.
• Service currently supports BTC, ETH, and SOL, with expansion planned.

Binance Survey Reveals Stronger Crypto Security Habits Among Asian Users

On May 6, 2025, Binance conducted a large-scale survey with 29,847 valid responses from Southeast Asian, South Asian, and East Asian cryptocurrency users. The survey found that over 80% of users have adopted Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), and 84% trust SAFU security measures. High-frequency traders, who visit exchanges multiple times daily, make up 47.2% of respondents. Despite the market’s growth, only 17.6% use address whitelisting and 21.5% maintain anti-phishing codes. In Southeast Asia, 42% keep private keys on internet-connected devices. A total of 73.3% verify recipient addresses before sending funds, and 40.7% have reported crypto scam incidents. Most users (84%) trust protective mechanisms like Binance’s SAFU emergency fund. Users are increasingly able to detect scams, with fake tips, phony links, and deceptive airdrops being identified at rates of 69.5%, 54.9%, and 52% respectively. Demand is rising for AI-based threat detection, with 62.5% wanting real-time alerts and 50.4% seeking device-level malware detection. Binance’s security measures in 2024 prevented over $4.2 billion in potential user losses, recovered $88 million in stolen or misplaced assets, and protected more than 2.8 million users from malicious actors. (Source: FinanceFeeds)

“In 2024 alone, we successfully prevented over $4.2 billion in potential user losses, helped recover $88 million in stolen or misplaced assets, and protected more than 2.8 million users from malicious actors,” said Jimmy Su, Binance Chief Security Officer.

Key Takeaways:

• Over 80% of Asian crypto users enable 2FA; 84% trust SAFU security measures.
• Binance prevented $4.2 billion in potential losses and recovered $88 million in 2024.
• Users demand more real-time, AI-driven security solutions and education.

Coinbase and Riot Games Partnership: A New Era for Esports and Crypto

Coinbase has been named the exclusive crypto exchange and blockchain technology partner for League of Legends and VALORANT esports globally. The partnership will introduce new match segments and tech-driven fan experiences at major tournaments, starting with the Masters tournament in Toronto. Custom broadcast segments like the “Econ Report” for VALORANT and “Gold Grind” for League of Legends will provide in-depth analysis of in-game economies. Viewers will have the opportunity to receive redeemable in-game content, such as icons and emotes, through virtual “drops.” Coinbase will also sponsor special promotions, including trips to top esports competitions. The partnership aims to blend Web3 innovation with live gaming ecosystems and viewer rewards, furthering Coinbase’s mission to drive crypto mainstream adoption through technology, culture, and competition. (Source: TronWeekly)

• Coinbase is the exclusive crypto exchange partner for League of Legends and VALORANT esports.
• New in-game analysis tools and blockchain-powered fan rewards will be introduced.
• Partnership aims to integrate Web3 technology into the esports fan experience.

Key Takeaways:

• Coinbase’s partnership with Riot Games marks a significant step in merging crypto and esports.
• Fans can expect new engagement opportunities and blockchain-powered rewards.

Sources:

• Crypto Exchange Coinbase Sponsors 'League of Legends' and 'Valorant' Esports
• Winklevoss-Led Gemini Hires Brad Vopni to Lead Institutional Push
• VanEck Files to Launch First US ETF Tracking Binance’s BNB
• Bybit rolls out Spread Trading
• Binance Survey Reveals Stronger Crypto Security Habits Among Asian Users
• Game On: Coinbase Joins Riot Games As Official Crypto Exchange Partner