For many years, esports has been overshadowed by traditional sports. Until recently, many people have not even heard of esports or have known them to be a high-stakes sporting event. But the North American Collegiate League (NACL) has been working to elevate esports and foster a robust industry.
The North American Collegiate League is a non-profit esports, media, and entertainment organization based in the United States. This non-profit hosts and streams video game tournaments and league play for collegiate esports competitors and provides scholarship prizes to the winners. They also generate proprietary TV content, which they have the rights to stream in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Macau, Japan, and South Korea.
The NACL aims to foster a collaborative relationship within the esports community between established players, aspiring gamers, newcomers, and those who are not sure what the esports industry has to offer. This organization also wants to bridge the gap between traditional sports and esports.
Earlier this year, NACL announced its partnership with global magnate Lawrence Chia, making him the non-profit organization’s newest ambassador. David Chen shares, “I have looked up to Lawrence Chia for a long time and I am lucky to call him my mentor. Lawrence is one of the most influential people in the Far East, and his presence will cement NACL’s standing in the esports scene.”
Before partnering with NACL, Lawrence Chia served as CEO of Deloitte China. Currently, he serves as CEO of the Samling Group of Companies, a conglomerate with holdings in fuel production, real estate, financial services, timber, infrastructure, and automobiles. Lawrence Chia also serves as Non-Executive Director of BC Technology Group Limited, a force to be reckoned with on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
“That Lawrence Chia recognized the NACL’s legitimacy and all our hard work means the world. This is an unprecedented chapter in the legacy of the NACL and in esports history,” says David Chen. The North American Collegiate League plans to use Lawrence Chia’s influence in Asia to promote esports to new economic and industrial sectors.
The North American Collegiate League also offers students a chance to go to college through an esports scholarship. This way, more students can pursue their passion, along with higher-level education. NACL president David Chen says, “We want to reward those who put in the time and effort to develop their skills in esports. We want to provide them with connections in this rapidly growing industry.” Sponsors can also enter collegiate esports promotion through the broadcast and live streams of tournaments throughout the year.
Through the NACL website, gaming enthusiasts can register to play in one of their tournaments. Announcements on tournament dates and live streams are also available on their website. Esports supporters can also opt to join their discussion board where they can connect with fellow fans and players, fostering a well-connected gaming community. The North American Collegiate League has done so much over the years to bridge the gap between traditional sports and esports. And the partnership with NACL’s newest ambassador will only mean incredible things ahead for this non-profit organization.
For updates on upcoming events and tournaments, you may visit the North American Collegiate League website.
