GameSquare Holdings, Inc. has partnered with Barnes & Noble College (BNC), a division of Barnes & Noble Education, to introduce collegiate esports and gaming programming across more than 1,100 physical and virtual campus bookstores in the U.S., aiming to reach nearly six million students.
The programme will feature multiple competitions throughout the 2025–2026 academic year, including online qualifiers and national live finals, with the full schedule to be announced later this year.
“Gaming and competitive esports are a huge part of campus life, and it’s important to offer programming that fosters competition, education, and social connection,” said Justin Kenna, CEO of GameSquare.
Celeste Risimini-Johnson, Chief Merchandise & Operations Officer at BNC, added: “Through our collaboration with GameSquare, we’re excited to offer students new opportunities to connect, compete, and thrive — whether from their residence hall or on a national stage.”
The partnership builds on GameSquare’s experiences as a media and entertainment company focused on gaming and creator content. Its portfolio includes the esports and lifestyle brand FaZe Clan, and deliveries at San Diego Comic-Con and EPIC‘s Into the Zone in London. It has recently expanded into Web3 and digital asset ventures, including partnerships with Animecoin and Rekt Brands.
PlayVS has recently announced another development also focusing North American collegiate esports, launching the PlayVS College League to also expand its platform to over 1,000 campuses.
