NEW TEAMS CREATE ADDITIONAL MOMENTUM FOR THE ESPORTS INDUSTRY
NEW YORK CITY – August 1, 2017 – Today, WESA announced that both North and Splyce have joined WESA as full Members. The additions of these teams further strengthens WESA’s ability to fulfill its mission to professionalize esports, and solidify its place as the leading global esports association.
“We’re delighted that both North and Splyce have elected to join WESA,” said Ken Hershman, Executive Chairman and Commissioner, WESA. “Bringing in two more teams that affiliate with a leading traditional sports franchise increases our ability to both develop and build out our esports offerings, as well as move the industry forward in new and exciting ways. These organizations know the importance of structure and order in an industry, and will aid WESA’s mission to solidify these facets within our own.”
Headquartered in Denmark, North is the esports affiliate of Nordisk Film and famous Danish football club, F.C. Copenhagen. The team was founded in January 2017 after signing ex-Dignitas players to compete in Counter Strike:Global Offensive competitions.
“Since the debut of North earlier this year, we have taken steps to grow our organization’s awareness within the esports industry. We are excited for the opportunity to join WESA and continue leaving our footprint in the esports world,” said Jacob Toft-Andersen, Chief Gaming Officer, North. “We look forward to working with WESA and its Members to further professionalize the industry as a whole.”
Splyce is a North American esports franchise partially owned by Delaware North, the parent company of the NHL’s Boston Bruins. Founded in Rochester, New York in 2015, Splyce has teams in eight titles around the globe, including the reigning champions in Halo, Call of Duty, World of Warcraft and Marvel vs. Capcom.
“This is an exciting time for team owners, as we are able to work together to continue advancing the infrastructure and sustainability of this industry for our staff, players and shareholders,” said Marty Strenczewilk, CEO & Co-Founder, Splyce. “Working with the storied teams that make up WESA was an obvious choice for us at Splyce, as it gives us the opportunity to work on projects that can have a huge impact on the entirety of esports alongside owners who are as passionate and dedicated as we are.”
About WESA
WESA was founded in May 2016 and counts as its Members thirteen of the world’s most popular esports teams (EnVyUS, FaZe Clan, Fnatic, G2 Esports, mousesports, Natus Vincere, Ninjas in Pyjamas, North, OpTic Gaming, Renegades, SK Gaming, Splyce and Virtus.pro) together with ESL, the world’s largest esports company. This elite group shares a collective vision to continue to professionalize esports by introducing elements of player representation, standardized regulations and revenue sharing for teams. Based on traditional sports association models, WESA also aims to create predictable schedules for fans, players, organizers and broadcasters by engaging all appropriate stakeholders. Pro League for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is the first professional esports competition that is played under WESA regulations.