BIG EAST Conference Extends Partnership with PlayVS College League for 2025–26 Season

PlayVS, North America’s leading scholastic and collegiate esports platform, today announced the extension of its partnership with the BIG EAST Conference, ensuring continued structured competitive opportunities for member institutions during the 2025–26 academic year.

This year, the alignment will feature support for Butler, Creighton, DePaul, Marquette, Seton Hall, St. John’s, UConn, and Villanova. Each institution will have access to national competition in PlayVS College League (PCL) across 17 supported titles in both the Fall and Spring seasons, with official BIG EAST conference play culminating in championships during Spring 2026.

“Esports continue to play an exciting and evolving role in the collegiate landscape, and we look forward to collaborating with PlayVS to support our member institutions in this fast-growing arena,” said Chris Schneider, Executive Associate Commissioner of the BIG EAST Conference. “What makes this relationship valuable is the way it brings students together — giving them the chance to represent their institutions, connect with classmates, and be part of the broader campus spirit that defines the BIG EAST. Esports are another avenue for student involvement, and we’re proud to create opportunities that strengthen school pride and community across our campuses.”

The BIG EAST was one of the first NCAA Division I conferences to recognize the value of esports competition, and its continued partnership with PCL reflects a growing commitment to creating sustainable, competitive, and community-driven opportunities for students.

“Even as esports rapidly evolves, the BIG EAST has remained at the forefront as one of the first conferences to fully commit to its growth,” said Victor Gomez, Esports Manager at Seton Hall University. “For Seton Hall, it has been an incredible journey to be part of that pioneering effort. At the heart of this conference is a shared commitment to the student experience, creating opportunities for our players to showcase their competitive spirit and represent their universities on a national stage. We are proud to contribute to this ongoing story and excited to help shape the next chapter of BIG EAST esports.”

With PCL as its platform provider, the BIG EAST Conference will continue to deliver high-quality esports competition that mirrors the professionalism and excitement of traditional athletics. In addition to official conference play, participating schools will gain access to all PCL competitions, multiple LAN opportunities, and national playoff paths.