USA Esports, KeSPA partner on U.S. national team for ENC 2026

USA Esports and South Korea’s KeSPA have signed a memorandum of understanding to coordinate national-team selection, coaching and officials training, youth and scholastic pathways, delegation exchanges and competition operations ahead of the Esports Nations Cup 2026 in Riyadh.

The memorandum of understanding outlines how national teams will be chosen and managed, how delegations will exchange personnel and expertise, and how coaching and officiating standards can be developed. It includes provisions for youth and scholastic player pathways and for sharing best practices in running competitions and team operations.

USA Esports is the official federation that represents the United States in international esports competition. The U.S. competitive landscape is shaped by game publishers, tournament operators, collegiate programs and independent clubs. KeSPA is a long-running national esports association in South Korea that has participated in national-team organization and institutional development.

KeSPA was reinstated as South Korea’s National Team Partner for the Esports Nations Cup 2026. The timing of the agreement coincides with the first Esports Nations Cup, scheduled in Riyadh from November 2 to 29, 2026. The event is organized around national teams and includes qualification and team-building involving more than 100 nations and territories.

The memorandum does not transfer control of competitive ecosystems that are governed by game publishers. Publishers will continue to set rules and run many of the largest tournaments. The agreement provides USA Esports with a clearer reference for national-team management as country-based competitions figure more prominently on the international calendar.

KeSPA’s participation provides a point of reference for national governance models while other markets develop their own structures. The memorandum specifies areas for collaboration without aiming to replicate South Korea’s full system in the United States.