BYD Ocean Joins LPL as Its First Chinese Automotive Partner

China’s League of Legends Pro League (LPL) has welcomed BYD as an official partner for the 2026 season, marking the first time a Chinese automotive brand has sponsored the league.

This partnership is linked to BYD’s Ocean Series, which focuses on new-energy vehicles, including electric and plug-in hybrid models. Details regarding the financial aspects and duration of the agreement have not been revealed.

The collaboration fills a significant sponsorship gap in the LPL following the conclusion of Mercedes-Benz’s long-standing partnership with the league. Mercedes-Benz had been a supporter of the LPL for over eight years before stepping away ahead of the 2026 season.

For BYD, this agreement is a continuation of its esports marketing efforts, which have already made an impact in China’s gaming landscape. The company previously sponsored Wuhan eStarPro, a team in the Honor of Kings scene, and participated in a showmatch between China and Europe organized by Blizzard Entertainment and NetEase, where the MVP was awarded a year of driving rights to a BYD Yangwang U9 supercar instead of outright ownership.

The LPL partnership provides BYD Ocean with access to one of the most commercially vibrant esports audiences in China, especially as automakers strive to attract younger consumers. The BYD Ocean Series has become a key element of the company’s domestic sales strategy, with reports indicating over 6.2 million units sold since its launch and more than 2.22 million units sold in 2025.