Philadelphia 76ers is first among NBA, NFL, and MLB franchises to own an esports team

Professional sports have just passed the ball to its digital counterpart.

The professional basketball team the Philadelphia 76ers announced today that it has acquired and merged two esports teams, Dignitas and Apex. This is the first time a major North American sports franchise has had its own professional gaming team. Esports is a growing market worth $493 million, and now major organizations that used to stick their noses up at this kind of competition are seeing dollar signs.