Oakland University has announced they will become the first Division I university in Michigan to formally add a varsity esports team to its athletics program.

Esports is growing quickly. The University of Michigan has a recreational esports program entirely run by students. GVSU has an esports club. West Michigan high schools with esports teams include East Kentwood, Grandville and West Catholic. Check the high school esports league standings.

Oakland University's esports team is unique in that it's a Division 1 varsity program. They will begin competing in the fall of 2020. No Pac-Man or Q*bert here. The team will compete in three games: League of Legends, Rocket League and Super Smash Bros.

When the team begins play next fall, they will have up to 12 players and be open to male and female players.

The announcement is just the beginning with many details still to be worked out including the hiring of a varsity coach, the creation of an on-campus gaming site and information about how students on the team can potentially earn scholarships.

Oakland University's esports team will also have a partnership with the Detroit Renegades, a professional esports team based in Auburn Hills.

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