PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Some Philadelphia-based esports companies are partnering to make up the largest collegiate esports league in North America.
The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) is comprised of more than 600 colleges and universities and 14,000 student-athletes.
“It is now the largest and really the most comprehensive collegiate esports offering that has ever been put together,” said Rob Johnson, CEO of Philly-based CSL Esports.
Alongside fellow Philly company Nerd Street Gamers and a number of others, Johnson said this new partnership, dubbed NACE Starleague, makes it easier for schools and students to get involved in high-level competitive video gaming.
“It’s not only providing new opportunities to be a student-athlete in higher education, but also scholarships and career development,” he said.
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It’s also a chance for them to work with young local talent.
“Our next step is to work with the regional high schools in the area to make sure that this is esports that is steeped in learning and education, and that there is a component around that,” he said. “You can learn and learn how these games are made and learn the career development items that present itself.”
Most of the universities in the area are already members of the new league.
Nerd Street Gamers, the largest esports infrastructure company in North America, will provide access to training facilities and broadcast production, addition to supporting live event and ticketing operations.
"We hope that this partnership will define success in a way that drives greater collaboration amongst our peers in the industry, and ultimately delivers value to our stakeholders: the gamers," said Nerd Street CEO John Fazio in a statement.