The recent turmoil within the popular gaming and content collective, FaZe Clan, has thrust investor and executive Matt Kalish back into the spotlight. Kalish, best known as a co-founder of the fantasy sports giant DraftKings, is a central figure in the ongoing drama following public criticism from major streamer Adin Ross.
The $11 Million Man and the FaZe Media Vision
Matt Kalish's involvement with FaZe Clan is deep and financially significant. When the brand was acquired by GameSquare in 2024 and reborn as a creator-first entity named FaZe Media, Kalish made a pivotal move. He invested a substantial $11 million into the new company's formation. This massive capital injection instantly made him the single largest stakeholder, granting him a 49% ownership stake and a seat on the board of directors.
His role was seen as a stabilizing force for the brand, which had faced years of financial instability. Kalish brought credibility from his success in building DraftKings and his newer venture, HardScope, which aims to provide structure and ownership for digital influencers. His vision was central to positioning FaZe Media as a modern, sustainable company for creators.
Adin Ross's Explosive Allegations and Creator Fallout
This carefully managed image, however, has faced serious challenges. In a recent livestream, top streamer Adin Ross directly called out the company's leadership, specifically naming Matt Kalish and the then-CEO Richard "Banks" Bengtson. Ross accused them of critical mismanagement regarding creator agreements.
He claimed the leadership introduced major revenue expectations far too late. "Banks and Matt Kalish, you guys messed up," Ross stated bluntly. He explained that the plan was to have creators sign agreements from the very beginning, but the leadership "waited two years later. That's the issue."
The reported request for 20% of creator revenue came only after streamers like Lacy, Adapt, and Jasontheween had already built massive audiences under the FaZe banner. This delayed move is cited as the primary reason for their subsequent departures from the organization. The controversy deepened when Banks, who left FaZe Media in July 2025, later called those creator signings "one of the worst decisions of his life."
Silence and Speculation: What Comes Next for FaZe?
As of now, Matt Kalish has not issued any public response to Adin Ross's detailed accusations. This silence leaves a cloud of uncertainty over FaZe Media's internal strategy and its future relationships with content creators. The situation highlights the ongoing tension in the influencer economy between corporate investment and creator autonomy.
The fallout raises significant questions about the long-term strategy Kalish and the board envisioned. With key personalities leaving and a major public figure like Ross challenging their decisions, FaZe Media's promised "creator-first" model is under intense scrutiny. The industry is now watching closely to see how the leadership, particularly its largest stakeholder Matt Kalish, addresses these claims and steers the company forward.
