PlayVS locks in multi-year deal with Riot Games

PlayVS is exclusively partnering with Riot Games to bring competitive League of Legends to U.S. high schools. This multi-year deal marks the beginning of the software startup becoming the only provider for the League of Legends seasons and championships programs. PlayVS has also recently announced the inclusion of competitive Fortnite in U.S. high schools and colleges.

Bringing the game to schools

PlayVS wants to continue their partnership with Riot Games to improve its integration of League of Legends. Their main goal is to ensure the success of competitive esports in high schools. In a press release, PlayVS founder Delane Parnell commented, “Player experience is at the forefront of everything we do.”

The reason they chose to bring LoL to schools is due to the massive popularity of the game among young people. Involving high schools in a relevant game that involved strategy, analysis, and overall competition will help improve sports participation. The best part? Students that choose to play competitive LoL will have access to all in-game champions throughout the next season.

Continuing the relationship

Previously, PlayVS has worked with Riot Games in bringing League of Legends to a handful of states. Students in Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island were all given opportunities to participate in their program. Since then, PlayVS has grown its partnerships to 18 states total in 15 months. In the fall of 2019, 80% of these schools had LoL teams. Due to this success, they are excited to continue this initiative across more schools and states. “This means not only bringing students access to the game titles that they love, but fully integrating with publishers to further improve the overall high school esports experience,” says Parnell.

Scholastic Program Lead at Riot Games Matt Biris shared his thoughts on the partnership: “PlayVS’ unique approach combines the recognition of state-sanctioned sports with an innovative technology platform, providing a great value for student competitors and a sustainable business model to ensure a stable future for high school esports.” He continued, “Extending our partnership with PlayVS advances our mission to establish League of Legends as a generational sport.”

What is PlayVS?

PlayVS is the leading amateur esports platform. This software company gives schools the ability to provide esports to their school using several methods. They participate in scheduling, statistics, logistics, technology, and more to ensure the success of their program. Throughout different seasons, school communities are formed and students learn to spectate as coaches learn to manage their players. Additionally, they help power state championships for games across the U.S. such as Smite, Rocket League, League of Legends, and Fortnite. They have been able to raise more than $96 million in funding since their start in 2018.

Schools have until Feb. 14, 2020 to sign up for the spring 2020 season.