High School eSports Startup PlayVS Raises $30.5 Million

Nov 20, 2018 - 9:35 PM

via Lyncconf.com

PlayVS, a recently launched startup that aims to build esports infrastructure at the high school level, announced this week the closing of a $30.5 million Series B financing round, with participation from the LA Dodgers, Diddy and Adidas.

We’re here to build the next big high school sport, with the help of some amazing people. 🏆https://t.co/WWgpdjSFAU

— PlayVS (@playvs) November 20, 2018

As previously reported, PlayVS first publicly launched in April 2018 through a partnership with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) to build leagues, establish rules and set a precedent for high school esports.

“We have an opportunity to engage students in the life of the school with an activity that they might already be participating in on their own,” said Dr. Karissa Niehoff, NFHS executive director. “Now, we bring that interest and activity together to combine it with all of the elements of sport that are so special: teamwork, camaraderie, collaboration, storylines, excitement and connection to a group.”

PlayVS is currently live in five state this fall but has plans to expand, with Alabama, Mississippi and parts of Texas set to join Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Massachusetts and Rhode Island for the spring season.

The league currently supports League of Legends but PlayVS has plans to add Smite and Rocket League at the start of the spring season in February.

This Series B fundraising comes several months after the closing of a $15 million Series A funding round, with participation from investors including Nas and the San Francisco 49ers.