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DarkZero Esports acquires NRG in a 2025 asset deal.

DarkZero Esports acquires NRG in a 2025 asset deal.

DarkZero Acquires NRG, Expands Esports Footprint

DarkZero Expands Its Esports Empire with NRG Acquisition, Signaling Next Phase of Competitive Growth and Industry Consolidation.

21 DEC 2025, 02:47 PM
  • DarkZero Esports acquires NRG Esports’ assets, with Don Kim as the new NRG CEO and Andy Miller as advisor.
  • NRG will keep its brand and rosters across Valorant, Rocket League, and CS2.
  • The deal expands DarkZero’s portfolio and reflects broader esports consolidation.

DarkZero Esports has completed the acquisition of NRG Esports' assets, bringing together two significant North American organizations under a single structure. The deal, which was announced on Dec 19, 2025, will shift NRG's team management and league operations to DarkZero, however, financial specifics are yet to be released.

DarkZero to NRG: Leadership Transition

DarkZero CEO, Don Kim, will take over as CEO of NRG under the new structure, replacing NRG founder Andy Miller, who will continue to advise the organization during the transition. Despite the ownership shift, NRG will retain its brand identity and current rosters, including VALORANT, Rocket League, and Counter-Strike 2 title teams.

As per industry reports, Kim expressed confidence in sustaining and enhancing the NRG legacy, stating that the organization's competitive footprint will be preserved as new titles and marketing opportunities are explored. Miller too described the decision as a strategic transition, emphasizing his faith in DarkZero's ability to maintain the brand's legacy.

NRG’s Legacy & Achievements

NRG was founded in 2015 and has since become one of North America's biggest esports brands, with global success in a variety of competitions, including a 2025 VALORANT Champions Tour globe title and a Rocket League globe Championship. The deal comes as the organization prepares for the competitive season of 2026, with roster continuity being a top focus.

DarkZero Esports, which is best known for its Rainbow Six Siege presence, plans to grow beyond a single-title focus by acquiring NRG Esports' assets. The deal broadens DarkZero's presence into new esports environments. It represents a deliberate change to a more diverse competitive portfolio.

DarkZero x NRG: Esports Industry Implications

The acquisition follows a larger pattern of esports sector consolidation and strategic acquisitions, as companies seek scale and stability in the face of increased competition for sponsorship and media rights. As the offseason continues, stakeholders remain focused on how this ownership move will affect NRG's competitive performance in 2026, notably in VALORANT.

Diya Mukherjee is a Content Writer at Outlook Respawn with a postgraduate background in media. She has a passion for writing content and is enthusiastic about exploring cultures, literature, global affairs, and pop culture.

Published At: 21 DEC 2025, 02:47 PM