The Kansas City Sports Commission has formed an esports coalition to bolster the esports activity in the Greater Kansas area.
The Kansas City Esports Coalition (KCEC) will attempt to increase awareness of esports in the area and promote the economic value that the industry can bring to the area.
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The purpose of the Kansas City Esports Coalition is to enable all areas of the Kansas esports scene to connect and ultimately expand the industry in the area.
Kathy Nelson, President and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission, commented on the venture: “Kansas City is home to so many talented individuals and organizations that are making a real impact on the fast growing world of gaming and esports. It made sense for us to help wrangle that talent and organize around it – particularly as we work to attract and create esports events.”
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Comprised of 12 members, the council features Michael Brooks, executive director of the National Association of Collegiate Esports, and Nick Engstrom, COO of not-for-profit tournament organiser KCGameOn! The coalition will operate as a division of the sports commission and is set to be led by a council made up of people already in esports and members of key organisations.
Marvin Mastin, advisory board member for the Kansas City Esports Coalition, added: “Esports is on track to become a dominant sector within the sports industry and an integral part of the KC sports ecosystem. We are excited to be a part of this innovative and forward-thinking group.”
Esports Insider says: It’s great to see a sports commission acknowledge esports and the benefits that it can bring to a local area, it’ll be interesting to see how the coalition goes about increasing the presence of esports in the area – including the support provided to existing projects.