Oxygen Esports announces merger with Boston Uprising

North American esports organizations Oxygen Esports and Boston Uprising have announced a merger that will give both organizations a slot in the Call of Duty League franchise. Taking the seat left vacant following the merger of OpTic Gaming with Envy Gaming, the Oxygen Esports team will be based in Boston.

According to the press release, Oxygen Esports will partner with The Kraft Group of the New England Patriot, owners of Boston Uprising, to manage the Overwatch League and Call of Duty League franchises. Following this announcement, Boston Uprising announced on Twitter that the leadership and lineup of the team will remain the same despite the merger.

Murphy Vandervelde, CEO of Oxygen Esports: "We are delighted to welcome Kraft and all our new equity partners to the OXG family and believe that together we can dominate the New England gaming market."

In addition, Oxygen Esports also announced a $ 20 million investment. Investors include renowned NBA and NFL employees. The investments, led by Banner Ventures, include former Boston Celtics player and general manager Danny Ainge and four-time Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski, as well as his brothers.

Oxygen Esports will establish its headquarters and operations at Patriot Place in Foxboro, Massachusetts, which is currently the home of Boston Uprising. The organization's players will train and compete at a facility adjacent to Gillette Stadium and about 30 miles from downtown Boston. Oxygen Esports also noted that its roster will be open to fans and that the organization intends to host weekly tournaments and programs.