---
title: "Esports franchise XP League signs first Canadian franchise agreement"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/44f7fd62-6e2e-4405-880e-fbe5778b118b
source: "Global Franchise"
original_url: https://www.global-franchise.com/news/esports-franchise-xp-league-signs-first-canadian-franchise-agreement
author: "Kieran M"
category: "Franchisors"
industry: "Franchise Industry"
segment: "Franchisors"
topics: ["Emerging brands","Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2020-12-08T16:50:00.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T16:54:16.409Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1519389950473-47ba0277781c?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Esports franchise XP League signs first Canadian franchise agreement

**TL;DR:** XP League, a youth esports league franchise, has signed its first Canadian franchise agreement with local entrepreneur Kevin Sterling. The brand plans to continue its international expansion through franchising, with aggressive plans to become an international juggernaut in the esports industry.

*By Kieran M, originally published in Global Franchise on 2020-12-08. [Read the original](https://www.global-franchise.com/news/esports-franchise-xp-league-signs-first-canadian-franchise-agreement).*

## Story

XP League (XPL), a youth esports league franchise model launched in September 2020, has announced its inaugural steps into international expansion with the signing of the brand’s first franchise agreement in Canada.

Signed with local entrepreneur Kevin Sterling, the site will launch in a co-working space in Ottowa, which Sterling also owns and operates.

“We’re excited to launch our brand in Canada and start our international expansion,” said Jay Melamed, co-founder of XP League. “We have aggressive plans to make XP League an international juggernaut in the esports industry and will look to continue our expansion through franchising.

Beyond our attractive franchise model, XP League is a rewarding experience for parents and children and teaches inclusivity, friendship, team building and competitive spirit. We’re honored to have enjoyed a successful quarter and are grateful to have Kevin join our growing XPL family.”

Following its September launch, XPL has grown to 18 territories and 11 states in the U.S. Its founding was driven by the fact that the esports market is expected to grow to nearly $1.6bn in 2023.

Investors of XPL receive a “league in a box” kit that includes league and tournament guidance and support, team logos, branded gear, exclusive coaching and esports brand partnerships, and more.

“Esports has been gaining traction over the last decade and the current pandemic has only added fuel to the fire for this growing industry,” added Melamed. “XPL is easy-to-run and nomadic, so a local civic center or empty office or retail space can quickly become an esports hub. There is vast white space available for entrepreneurs interested in monetizing a career in esports.”

## Entities

- Franchise Industry (sector)
- Global Franchise (publication)
- franchising (topic)
- international expansion (topic)
- franchise agreement (topic)
- canada (location)
- Kieran M (person)
- youth esports league (topic)
- esports industry (topic)

---
Originally reported by Kieran M, Global Franchise (https://www.global-franchise.com/news/esports-franchise-xp-league-signs-first-canadian-franchise-agreement). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/44f7fd62-6e2e-4405-880e-fbe5778b118b).