Super League Gaming, one of the world’s top amateur esports leagues, has announced the addition of four new teams with an expansion of its league roster.

These are the Atlanta Bashers, the Tampa Bay Dungeoneers, the Philadelphia Specters, and Washington D.C. Conspirators. The U.S. focused expansion is great news for amateur esports fans in these cities in particular, and means that the league’s reach has grown to sixteen cities in total.

Each of the new city teams will compete nationwide in both Minecraft and League of Legends tournaments. To date, Super League Gaming has hosted more than 1,500 events with over 10,000 amateur players attending through two eventful years of play.

“With our expanded sixteen city national footprint, Super League Gaming has truly established itself as the go-to place for amateur esports experiences,” said Ann Hand, CEO Super League Gaming. “The league’s addition of Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. highlights the incredible growth and hunger for this type of premium gaming competition. We are excited to further showcase how our city teams are the best portal for aspiring gamers looking to go pro.”

“We’re thrilled Super League Gaming has expanded to our nation’s capital,” remarked Zach Leonsis, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Monumental Sports & Entertainment. “Washington D.C. has a storied tradition of being home to professional teams competing at the highest level, and we are excited the Conspirators are joining the city to ignite the amateur esports community, given our deep commitment to esports competition of all levels.”

Registration information for League of Legends City Championships is live now, and fans will find activity dates, locations, and other details for the new teams at https://champs.superleague. com/leagueoflegends.

Additional partnerships with leading esports titles will be added to Super League Gaming’s roster throughout 2018.

We caught up with Super League Gaming CEO Ann Hand, and were able to ask her a few questions.

ESI: Do SLG have plans and aspirations to expand beyond the USA?

Ann: Yes, we will be announcing a next wave of cities in 2018 that will include will include two teams in China!

ESI: How is the planning to go about tying these teams in with their local cities, and engaging city residents who might not necessarily be esports fans?

Ann: Our vision for our city clubs is that they are community platforms for all things local to gamers whether you play in one of our leagues or just enjoy rooting for your hometown and being a spectator. As we launch new game titles and expand our network of partner locations, there will be a variety of ways for gamers to participate in the Super League experience.

ESI: Can you share additional thoughts on teams securing local level sponsorships and partners, just as lower league football clubs do in the UK?

Ann: Yes, we have just started to engage with local partners whether they’re gaming venues or brands that represent a piece of the local gamer lifestyle. Local sponsorships will enable us to create more premium experiences for our gamers, and also represent the aspects of gamer lifestyle unique to that city.

Esports Insider says: Great news from Super League Gaming with the new city based teams, and it’s particularly exciting to hear from CEO Ann Hand about SLG’s plans beyond this and the forthcoming addition of teams in China and beyond.