*By Brandon Brathwaite* PlayVS, a start-up created to build an infrastructure for high school esports, has announced a new Series B funding round of $30.5 million on Tuesday morning. The new infusion of capital was led by Elysian Park Ventures, a firm that operates on behalf of the Los Angeles Dodgers ownership group. The new funding will also bring in new investments from Adidas, Samsung NEXT, and Plexo Capital. Angel investors include: Sean “Diddy” Combs, David Drummond (an early employee at Google ($GOOGL) and now SVP of corporate development at Alphabet), Rahul Mehta (Partner at DST Global), Rich Dennis (Founder of Shea Moisture), Michael Dubin (Founder and CEO of Dollar Shave Club), Nat Turner (Founder and CEO of Flatiron Health), and Johnny Hou (Founder and CEO of NZXT). New Enterprise Associates, Science Inc., Crosscut Ventures, Coatue Management and WndrCo will also continue their investment in PlayVS. The funding comes after PlayVS secured $15 million in Series A funding last June. In a press release, Tucker Kain, CFO of the LA Dodgers and Managing Partner of Elysian Park Venture said of the latest: “With PlayVS, we have found a model that works, built on a powerful platform that delivers an unparalleled player experience and will have a profound impact on the future of youth sports across the country.” In addition to the $30 million, PlayVS will launch new game partnerships with Psyonix and Hi-Rez Studios, publishers of “Rocket League” and “SMITE,” respectively. The two new game titles will be joining Riot Games’ “League of Legends.” PlayVS will now be expanding its platform from its initial five early-access states of Connecticut (CIAC), Georgia (GHSA and GISA), Kentucky (KHSAA), Massachusetts (MIAA) and Rhode Island (RIIL) to include high schools within Alabama (AHSAA), Mississippi (MISSHSAA), and parts of Texas (TCSAAL). Club Leagues will also be launched in five new states – Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas. Club Leagues will have full access to the PlayVS platform and have a similar season structure. “We're honored to have the support of the LA Dodgers, which has one of the best ownership groups in major league sports and are one of the earliest investors in esports. They collectively share our vision for what the future athlete looks like,” PlayVS Founder and CEO Delane Parnell said in a statement. “One of the reasons we're most excited about esports is accessibility. With this new round of funding and the addition of Rocket League and SMITE, we're able to take another huge step forward as we open the pathway for more students to compete and be recognized in the burgeoning esports industry.” The inaugural season of PlayVs will begin in February of 2019.

Share:
More In Sports
South Korea Sends In The Military After Dozens Of Guards Fall Ill
The Olympics haven't even begun and the military is already being called. This time, however, North Korea has nothing to do with it. Almost a thousand military personnel have been sent to Pyeongchang after dozens of security guards fell ill from a norovirus outbreak.
A Gold Medal in Hacking
The Olympics draws millions of people around the globe but it also attracts a higher risk of a cybersecurity attack. Travis Farral, Director of Security Strategy at Anomali, joins Cheddar to discuss certain risks to atheletes and tourists traveling to PyeongChang, SOuth Korea.
Between Bells: February 5, 2018
On Between Bells: More memos, more problems for both parties. Best Super Bowl ads, and Keeping Secrets with the Kardashians. With Rare Media, Gov. John W. Hickenlooper, The Young Turks, Diply, and Zimbio.
Which Brands Won the Super Bowl?
The Philadelphia Eagles may have won Super Bowl LII, but which brands delivered the most memorable advertisements? Diply's Dan Lagani joins Cheddar to discuss the factors to consider when picking a champion from the biggest night of the year for TV commercials.
The Race for U.S. Soccer President Heats Up
Kyle Martino, candidate for U.S. Soccer president, breaks down his campaign and explains how his views are different from the other candidates. Martino was a professional soccer player for six years.
Between Bells: February 2, 2018
Your Future Home: Housing trends and tips with Quicken Loans. On Between Bells: Super Bowl LII preview, Super Mario goes to Hollywood, and more. With GameSpot, FHM, Citi, and NerdWallet.
Load More