Andbox/New York Excelsior
- Andbox is a new esports organization created to represent New York City's social gaming scene.
- Andbox operates New York Excelsior (NYXL), a multimillion dollar Overwatch League franchise, and has also acquired the rights to run New York City's "Call of Duty" team in Activision's upcoming league.
- NYXL has created a welcoming atmosphere for New York City's gaming community with sold out watch parties, competitions, and pop-up shops, developing a rabid fanbase in the process.
- While NYXL is dedicated to Overwatch, Andbox will be able to create more events that serve the broader gaming community in New York City.
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In New York City, esports is about much more than just online competition. New York has an engaged and social community of gamers who are ready to show up, celebrate, and support each other in a variety of games.
The vibrant spirit of New York City's gaming scene led to the creation of AndBox, a new esports organization dedicated to the city's gaming culture. Founded by Sterling.VC - the same group that operates the New York Mets and Sportsnet New York - AndBox will operate two multi-million dollar esports franchises while organizing a range of events for gamers in New York City.
Sterling.VC has already invested in the city's gaming community with the New York Excelsior (NYXL), its Overwatch League (OWL) franchise. Though the Overwatch League currently hosts the vast majority of its matches from a studio in Burbank, California, NYXL worked with local fan groups in New York to host watch parties, competitions, and meet-and-greet events with the team.
These events helped galvanize the city's social gaming scene - fans of other games appreciated the social experience of NYXL's events and were willing to embrace "Overwatch" as well.