Santa Ana-based Esports Arena has announced a deal with investment partner Allied eSports to expand its live eSports events.
Esports Arena creates membership-based gaming venues for eSports players. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Allied eSports said the deal will help fund Esports Arena locations and an expansion of its broadcast capabilities.
“We want to be part of the global network they are creating with arenas across the world,” said Paul Ward, chief executive of ESports Arena, in a press release. “It’s a great way to reach global networks. And their investment in us is allowing us to expand our broadcast operations in Orange County and create a top tier product.”
Esports Arena plans to open a location in Oakland in the coming months that will include event space, broadcasting equipment, a production studio, green room and bar.
Allied eSports, based in Beijing, was formed in March and runs the Wangyu eSports Arena there. The company has announced hopes of building an international network of eSports Arenas.
“We began talking to Esports Arenas and the similarities are striking. It’s a similar mindset and similar concept with likeminded individuals,” Jud Hannigan, senior vice president of Allied eSports said in another release. “We want to grow what they built in Santa Ana and use that to branch out in North America.”
