Los Angeles-based esports organization NRG announced Friday that it has been sold to DarkZero for an undisclosed amount in what the company describes as an asset sale.
As part of the transaction, DarkZero will retain the NRG brand, along with its active esports rosters, coaching staff, and the majority of its employees. NRG founder and CEO Andy Miller will remain involved in an advisory capacity, working with DarkZero CEO Don Kim during the transition period.
DarkZero will continue to operate NRG’s championship-winning teams in Valorant and Rocket League, as well as its Counter-Strike 2 roster, according to information shared with The Esports Advocate.
In a video message announcing the sale, Miller characterized the deal as a “passing of the torch,” positioning DarkZero as the next steward of the NRG brand and its fanbase.
“It’s time to turn NRG over to the next generation of folks to take it, and run with it, and make it amazing and steward this incredible relationship we’ve had with you, the NRG fam over the years,” Miller said.
“So today’s announcement is a big one for me, for all of us. We’re selling the company to an amazing group of guys from an org that you probably all know—DarkZero. They are terrific. So far it’s been a great relationship.. they have been in the space for awhile [and] they have a long-term view of the space and they are going to be great stewards of the NRG brand—they’re keeping the NRG brand and they are keeping most everybody in the org; all the players all, all the staff, myself, Jamie of course is still going to be running the show on the gaming side so we are really fortunate to have a group with deep pockets, a lot of imagination, and a long-term view for the space.”
Miller also emphasized continuity for fans and partners, noting that the organization will continue operating under the NRG name.
“As of today, we are NRG; we’re still NRG [and] we’re going to be NRG for quite awhile–just some new faces and some new energy behind the brand,” he said. “The good news for me is I get to hang around with all of you for a lot longer. […] I will be here in an advisory capacity as well.”
Speaking with The Esports Advocate on Thursday, Miller confirmed that he and existing investors will retain ownership of Full Squad, NRG’s gaming and entertainment division, often referred to as Full Squad Gaming. Miller will continue to serve as chairman of Full Squad while advising DarkZero leadership during the transition. The length of his advisory role was not disclosed.
“Ten years was a good run!” Miller told TEA. “I wish the space as a whole matured faster so we would all have substantial businesses, but I believe it will someday, and hopefully NRG will be on TOP!”
NRG currently fields teams in Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, and Rocket League, and counts Spectrum, ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG), Army National Guard, Thrustmaster, Rockstar Energy, Theta Network, AndaSeat, Skinrave, OSBOT, and Pusulabet among its sponsors. DarkZero is expected to maintain these partnerships for the foreseeable future.
The sale follows a highly successful competitive year for NRG. In 2025, the organization captured the Valorant Champions title, defeating Fnatic to secure the championship and a $1 million USD prize pool. One month later, NRG’s Rocket League team won the RLCS World Championship, beating Team Falcons to claim $300,000 in prize money. The victory marked NRG’s second consecutive RLCS World Championship, making it the third organization in league history to achieve that feat.
Founded in 2018 by private equity investor Zachary Matula, DarkZero initially entered esports through Rainbow Six Siege, which remains the organization’s primary competitive focus. Over time, DarkZero also competed in Apex Legends, League of Legends—via DarkZero Dragonsteel, a North American Challengers League team operated in partnership with Maryville University—and Marvel Rivals. The organization’s partners and sponsors include apparel brand Raven and gaming peripherals maker Razer.
About the Author
