The National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) announced the creation of "Project I," an initiative designed to advance and promote collegiate esports. Project I aims to bring together NCAA Division I schools in a new competitive format.
For more detailed information about Project I, including schedule and structure, please click here
Project I is open to the 364 institutions that are current Division I members of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Programs will compete within Project I Conferences, which, when applicable, will mirror the existing athletic competition structure between members. Traditional rivalries between schools provide a terrific starting point for Project I conferences.
Where traditional athletic conference membership cannot be accommodated, geographic location will serve as the secondary criterion.
TJ Stephens, Student Director of the Esports Program at the University of Georgia, commented on the announcement: “Project I provides a unique opportunity for Division I esports leaders to collaborate, share ideas, and address common challenges faced by DI programs.”
Stephens, who contributed to the creation and development of Project I through the NECC’s subcommittee, added, “It has been incredibly rewarding to connect with leaders from other DI programs, expanding my network and fostering valuable relationships.”
For the upcoming academic year, Project I will feature four competitive titles: League of Legends and Valorant in the fall semester, and Overwatch 2 and Rocket League in the spring. The program will culminate with an in-person National Championship tournament, crowning a champion in each of the four titles.
Each participating school may enter one team per title but is not required to compete in all four titles. The cost for NECC members to compete in Project I will be $300, while non-members will be charged $400. Schools interested in participating in one title will pay $150 ($200 for non-NECC members).
Funds from Project I membership fees will support the Championship LAN event and cover travel costs for qualifying schools to attend the National Championship Tournament.
“By offering a platform for students who may not engage in traditional sports, esports foster a sense of belonging and community, enhancing overall student engagement,” shared David Dickert, Esports Coordinator and Adjunct Instructor of Esports Management at The University of Southern Mississippi.
“Overall, Division I esports competition at Southern Miss not only benefits students and the university but also strengthens the broader community.”
The top four teams from each conference will advance to a single-elimination postseason tournament, with conference champions securing spots in the National Tournament. Details on the location and dates of the spring 2025 National Championship will be announced later this fall.
Depending on the number of conferences formed, there may be additional at-large spots available for the National Tournament. The NECC aims to keep conference sizes between 8 and 12 teams, though final numbers will depend on the number of participating schools.
NECC Commissioner Jacob VanRyn expressed his pride in the initiative: “Project I represents a significant collaborative effort among leaders in collegiate esports. Today’s announcement is the culmination of a lot of passionate discussion focused on the best ways to serve this cohort of our membership. Project I was born from our subcommittee’s vision and passion for their schools, their programs, their communities, and the future of collegiate esports as a whole.”
If you are interested in registering to compete in Project I, please visit this link: https://forms.gle/Ub4dtn8cTmdRmzJY9
What They’re Saying
“Division 1 esports competition is vital to a Division I school like Southern Miss for several compelling reasons. First, it promotes critical thinking, teamwork, and strategic planning among students, translating these skills into academic and professional success. By offering a platform for students who may not engage in traditional sports, esports foster a sense of belonging and community, enhancing overall student engagement. Second, the prestige of a successful DI esports program elevates the university's reputation as a forward-thinking and innovative institution, attracting prospective students and boosting enrollment. Esports also rekindles alumni interest, particularly among younger graduates passionate about gaming, leading to increased donations and stronger alumni networks. Hosting esports events draws local and regional interest, building community and stimulating the local economy through increased demand for services and job creation. Overall, Division 1 esports competition at Southern Miss not only benefits students and the university but also strengthens the broader community.”
David Dickert, Esports Coordinator; Adjunct Instructor of Esports Management
The University of Southern Mississippi
“Project I has been one of the only spaces I’ve seen where Division I leaders in collegiate esports can share ideas and visions, to create a league unified to understand all of our shared experiences, problems, and other hurdles that come with being a DI program. It has been extremely nice to meet leaders across D1 in which our paths don’t normally cross, further expanding my network and my colleagues.”
TJ Stephens, Student Director
The University of Georgia
“Project I represents a significant collaborative effort among leaders in collegiate esports. Today’s announcement is the culmination of a lot of passionate discussion focused on the best ways to serve this cohort of our membership. Project I was born from our subcommittee’s vision and passion for their schools, their programs, their communities, and the future of collegiate esports as a whole.”
Jacob VanRyn, Commissioner / CEO
National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC)
ABOUT THE NECC
The NECC fosters innovative competition experiences, provides quality broadcasting services, and works to support an inclusive community within collegiate esports. The NECC was started to provide the collegiate gaming community with the respect it warranted and deserved. The conference prides itself on responding to the needs of its schools, directors, coaches, and most importantly - its players.
With more than 500 colleges and universities currently competing, the NECC strives to be a positive home for the collegiate gaming community.
For more information about the NECC, their schools, games, and community, visit their website at https://necc.gg/
Twitter | Instagram | Discord | YouTube | Website
