PlayVS, North America’s premier esports platform for high school competitions, recently announced the extension of its formal collaboration with the National Federation of High School Associations (NFHS) Network until 2028. This ongoing partnership with the NFHS Network is aimed at further promoting the impact of esports among students nationwide.
Since their initial partnership in 2018, PlayVS and the NFHS Network have significantly elevated the profile of high school esports. Starting with just five member associations, the program has now expanded to include 25 NFHS member associations and affiliates across the country, culminating in 409 state champions in various games, thanks to partnerships with publishers like 2K, Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, and Nintendo. This collaboration has positioned high school esports as one of America’s fastest-growing sports.
Currently, high school esports programs average over 28 students, competing with traditional sports like baseball. The inclusive nature of esports, being co-ed and not requiring specific physical skills, has contributed to this growth. Notably, 45% of players report that esports is their first foray into extracurricular activities, with coaches observing significant improvements in participants’ social skills (90%), mental health (74%), and academic performance (60%).
Jon Chapman, CEO of PlayVS, emphasizes the company’s commitment to leveraging the NFHS Network’s partnership to bring esports’ positive impact to more students. The NFHS Network has been pivotal in encouraging schools, students, and parents to recognize the potential of esports, and this partnership is expected to further this impact.
The NFHS has renewed its partnership with PlayVS due to the strong adoption by state associations, the effectiveness of PlayVS’s platform, and the growing esports community. PlayVS boasts a high retention rate within academic years and offers a comprehensive solution for high schools to adopt and develop their esports programs.
Julian Tackett, Chair of the NFHS Network Board of Directors and Executive Director of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association, acknowledges the significant role of the PlayVS partnership in the rapid growth of high school esports and its transformative effect on students.
Since the beginning of their partnership, PlayVS, along with its publishing partners, has granted over $1 million in college scholarships and prizes, invested $2 million in hardware and software, and emphasized accessibility and opportunities by partnering with the Special Olympics.
