According to various sources, Oxygen Esports is currently in the process of terminating all employees and shutting down its operations completely, a mere three years after forming a partnership with Kraft Sports & Entertainment, the owner of the New England Patriots.
In 2020, Oxygen (OXG) was established and later merged with Robert Kraft’s company. This partnership enabled the organization to financially support teams in various esports titles such as Valorant, Rocket League, Rainbow Six, and Apex Legends. Additionally, they were able to establish their own Call of Duty League franchise, Boston Breach.
Despite the organization’s teams achieving decent placements during their time under the OXG banner, their efforts to assemble strong rosters were ultimately unsuccessful in bringing home championships for their Helix Esports facility at Patriot Place.
The Boston Breach players were informed that they must vacate their apartments and forfeit access to the Helix facility by August 8, only a few days before their trip to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for a $1.8 million tournament featuring Modern Warfare 3.
Riyadh bound ✈️ Introducing our roster for the @EWC_EN. 🟢 @Snzopy 🟢 @Owakening 🟢 @Purjxng 🟢 @CammyMVP #IntotheBreach | #EsportsWorldCup pic.twitter.com/emO1fvdWFh
— Boston Breach (@BostonBreach) July 22, 2024
Just a few days ago, the Shift Summer League playoffs in Rocket League, which is owned by Oxygen, were halted 30 minutes before their scheduled start on August 6.
According to reports, the event’s staff were informed that they would not receive the promised payment and were encouraged to continue working without compensation.
For Transparency:We (admins/production/staff) were promised to be paid for working this event. We only found out today (along with Shift) that @OXG_Esports is refusing to pay us. Not only that, but they told us to continue working for free https://t.co/QfsYOrZJ4U
— Luke / Husky (@RIVALhusk) August 6, 2024
Currently, multiple sources are stating that the board and shareholders are working towards a resolution for the situation.
It is anticipated that the staff will go through the necessary formalities regarding severance pay, and it is expected to be finalized by Friday, August 9.
Currently, it remains uncertain what implications this will have on the 12th Call of Duty League spot moving forward. However, there have been murmurs of interest from various organizations in joining the league, particularly after Activision announced the removal of the $25 million entry fee and the reimbursement of fees previously paid by organizations.
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