eSports
Premier Esports Organization Andbox Rebrands as “NYXL,” Announces Mission to Develop NYC as the World Capital of Esports & Gaming Culture
New York’s flagship esports organization Andbox announced that it has rebranded as NYXL. Dedicated to creating experiences and developing content that connects the worlds of esports, gaming culture, and lifestyle for the discerning modern gamer, NYXL solidifies its commitment to New York in more than just name – making an investment into NYC’s gaming community, including building its headquarters, XLHQ, in Manhattan. The organization will also launch YXL, their Young Creator Project, an annual initiative that discovers, supports and promotes the next generation of New York digital content creators, pledging $500,000 to the program. The announcement was made today by NYXL CEO James Frey and CCO Mitchell Smith.
Founded in 2017, NYXL was the first organization to bring professional esports to New York City. The team behind NYXL has deep experience in film, television, entertainment and sports, and brings world-class storytelling experience to esports for the first time. In addition to Frey and Smith, leadership includes President and co-Founder Farzam Kamel, Chief Product Officer and co-Founder Rohit Gupta, Executive Board member and co-Founder Scott Wilpon and Sterling Equities. Members of the advisory board also include former Turner President David Levy and Mike Sepso, CEO of Vindex and co-founder of Major League Gaming; with key investors Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman, Michael B. Jordan, Pohlad Companies (owner of the Minnesota Twins), Allen & Company, the founders of Warby Parker, Harry’s, Giphy, and Dapper Labs.
“As New York City emerges from the pandemic, we’re laser focused on expanding our new job markets and industries, including digital game development,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “We are thrilled NYXL is making New York City their new home, congratulate them on their relaunch, and hope others follow their lead. Last week, we announced our Blueprint for New York City’s Economic Recovery, and we are going to make certain fast-growing companies like NYXL get the welcome they deserve.”
“NYXL’s rebranding and new Manhattan headquarters signal their commitment to digital game development in NYC, the creative capital of the world,” said Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment Commissioner Anne del Castillo. “A major economic driver, employer and content creator, the digital game industry in NYC supports more than $2 billion in economic output and $762 million in wages, serving as an important component of our city’s economic recovery plan.”
The New York Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) recently conducted the first NYC Digital Games Industry Economic Impact Study, which highlighted the sector’s significance and contribution to New York City’s economy, and found the growing industry supported 7,600 jobs. NYXL will play a key role in growing this burgeoning industry, which is clearly becoming a major economic driver, employer and content creator for the city.
“I love what NYXL has done so far to elevate esports in NYC and connect with local creators and fans,” said Scott Wilpon, co-founder of NYXL and the partner of Sterling Equities. “I’m looking forward to working with them to further their commitment to reinforce that New York is truly the next major gaming hub.”
Hip-hop artist and New York native, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, joins NYXL as its first creator tapped to develop content series, music projects, and other artistic experiences for NYXL’s platforms and social channels. A Boogie will also collaborate with NYXL on traditional film and television projects, as well as custom apparel and merchandise that represent New York and the NYXL lifestyle.
This summer, NYXL and its professional Call of Duty League team, The New York Subliners, will bring competitive esports at the highest level to New York City. The event will take place in July in Brooklyn where teams and fans from across the country will unite to cheer on their favorite players. More information will be announced in the coming weeks.
The Global Esports Federation at its 16th Board Meeting approved the draft program for the Los Angeles 2026 Global Esports Games, to be held in December 2026. This follows the earlier announcement of Los Angeles as host city at a major ceremony hosted by Los Angeles Times Media Group Executive Chairman & CEO Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and El Segundo Mayor Chris Pimentel—now marking a significant milestone on the road to GEF’s flagship event in the United States.
The GEF Board also unanimously elected Paul J. Foster as President of the Global Esports Federation. Paul, who is GEF Chief Executive Officer, was appointed President ad interim following the resignation of founding President Chris Chan in July, and now assumes the role of President & CEO through December 2027.
In addition, the GEF Board approved the establishment of frameworks to develop the esports ecosystem in the United States, anchored in Los Angeles. This initiative will strengthen the GEF’s connections with stakeholders worldwide and reinforce its mission to elevate esports for all.
The outcomes of GEF 16th Board Meeting reaffirm the GEF’s role as a convening platform, uniting athletes, publishers, Member Federations, and partners to power the future of esports globally.
- Team Vitality launches 2025 Alternate Jersey and an exclusive apparel collection, bringing a new level of energy and excitement for fans.
- The jersey, featuring a white base with red and blue accents, pays homage to the French flag and will be worn by all Team Vitality athletes at major esports events taking place in France later this year, including the Rocket League Worlds and EVO Nice.
- The Alternate Jersey is available today for €79.99, both online and at Team Vitality’s official Paris store.
Team Vitality is proud to unveil its new Alternate Jersey, accompanied by an exclusive apparel collection. This launch completes the club’s annual merchandise lineup, following the release of the black Pro Jersey earlier this year and the iconic yellow US-style Jersey worn during the Austin Major triumph.
This Alternate edition, featuring the French blue, white and red, honours Team Vitality’s Parisian roots while celebrating the major esports events set to close out the year in France.
The jersey will feature on the global stage with the Rocket League team at the World Championships from September 12 to 14.
PERFORMANCE MEETS LIFESTYLE
The Alternate Collection features a new, stylish jersey and a limited-edition clothing line that blends performance and lifestyle. As with every year, the Alternate Jersey is traditionally white, serving as a complement to the black Pro Jersey released earlier in the year.
Designed in collaboration with hummel, the jersey combines comfort and performance, offering a lightweight fit built to withstand the demands of competitive play. The accompanying exclusive apparel collection follows the same artistic vision, offering clothing and accessories designed for everyday wear. This brand-new lifestyle range, along with exclusive items, reflects the club’s distinctive style.
ALTERNATE JERSEY
- Team Vitality’s Alternate 2025 Jersey – €79.99
- Team Vitality’s Alternate 2025 Sleeves – €29.99
- Exclusive Vitality Alternate 2025 Pack – €79.99 (includes 1 Alternate Jersey and a complimentary pair of exclusive sleeves)
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LIFESTYLE COLLECTION
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 Sweatshirt – €59.99
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 T-Shirt – €29.99
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 Jacket – €69.99
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 Joggers – €54.99
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ACCESSORIES
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 Scarf – €19.99
- Team Vitality Alternate 2025 Flag – €24.99
- Collector Cards (set of 3 or 8 trading cards) – €5.99
- Mouse Pad (small / large) – €19.99 / €29.99
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BASILISK, the global esports organization built to champion science, announced the signing of legendary fighting game competitor Justin ‘Jwong’ Wong as captain of its newly formed Fighting Game Community (FGC) Division. Wong will lead BASILISK’s entry into the FGC by recruiting players, developing community events, and creating FGC – science crossover content.
“Justin isn’t just a competitive genius – he is a cultural icon and humble leader within the FGC. We are incredibly proud to have him leading our FGC division and support the amazing work he already does for the community,” said BASILISK co-founder Christopher Bothur.
A nine-time Evolution Championship Series (Evo) Champion and Guinness World Record holder, Wong brings unparalleled FGC credibility and expertise to BASILISK. His reach extends across the entire FGC fandom of millions, and he was immortalized in Evo Moment #37 which has over 100 million views.
As Captain of BASILISK FGC, Wong will leverage BASILISK’s data analytics to scout and train the next generation of FGC pros.
“Math is super important to fighting games. I’m excited to join science’s esports team. I’m passionate about finding promising players with a positive mentality and shaping them into the next big thing. I want to see somebody else in the spotlight after me and help them reach their potential. If we can discover the next world champion, that would be fantastic,” said Wong upon joining BASILISK.
The signing comes on the heels of BASILISK’s new partnerships with The Planetary Society and Caltech’s Institute for Quantum Information and Matter (IQIM), announced in July. These collaborations create a powerful bridge between renowned scientific institutions and gamers, which Wong will amplify to his millions of followers and fans.
“Justin is a dream addition to our organization. He exemplifies the dedication and analytical capacity required to be an esports champion or great scientist,” added BASILISK co-founder Hans Kassier.
Wong becomes the second “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) to join BASILISK, alongside Finnish StarCraft 2 legend Joona “Serral” Sotala, who just captured the SC2 Esports World Cup Championship in July 2025. The signing also creates opportunities for cross-over content with BASILISK’s diverse roster, including chess Grandmaster Vincent Keymer and award-winning science communicator Kyle Hill, who brings over 2.5 million followers and a vast network of science enthusiasts to the organization.
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