Valhallan, a growing U.S. esports franchise, has announced its acquisition of NXT UP Esports, the U.S. provider of virtual youth esports camps and leagues.
Matt Phillips, brand president of Valhallan.
The move says Valhallan will enable it to provide an inclusive environment for esports competitions around the world, as the company looks to add additional partnerships that align with the brand across all franchise marketplaces, including the UK and Europe.
Valhallan’s said that its previous acquisitions of the United Federation of Esports Athletes league and the North American Esports League, sees the company solidifying the brand further as the largest youth esports franchise.
Youth development
The company explained that NXT UP, like Valhallan, prides itself on youth development to teach players essential life skills through video games, with the belief that the lessons learnt from being a part of a team can extend to all aspects of their lives. Integrating with Valhallan’s curriculum will help develop player’s self-confidence, communication skills, social development, leadership ability and in-game skills in a fun and safe environment.
Matt Phillips, brand president of Valhallan, says: “NXT UP is the perfect addition to add virtual programmes in areas where we don’t have Valhallan arenas – youth players and teams everywhere will be able to join, train and compete with us.
“After recently landing on UK shores, the acquisition continues to further Valhallan’s global expansion, enabling us to serve significantly more gamers wherever they might be. It’s exciting news for our players, franchisees and youth esports as a whole.”
The acquisition also brings NXT UP’s founder Luke Zelon to the Valhallan team as its new vice president of media and partnerships. The company added that under Zelon, NXT UP established partnerships and connections with influential esports and youth programmes such as Team Liquid and U.S. Sports Camps.
Zelon comments: “By combining the training and curriculum of Valhallan with the virtual capabilities of NXT UP, Valhallan can offer the experience of a lifetime for young gamers in the UK, the U.S. and from almost anywhere in the world.”
Valhallan, launched by FranchiCzar, a developer of world-class software and services designed to help franchise brands scale their growth, is now actively recruiting potential franchisees in the UK in addition to the U.S. and Canada.
franchise@valhallan.com
https://valhallan.com/franchise-uk
Posted: 28th October, 2022