Oxygen Esports (OXG), a prominent esports organization, is reportedly shutting down operations and laying off all its staff, according to multiple sources. Founded in 2020, OXG quickly gained attention after merging with Kraft Sports & Entertainment, owned by New England Patriots’ owner Robert Kraft. This partnership enabled Oxygen to establish teams across various esports, including Valorant, Rocket League, Rainbow Six, and Apex Legends, as well as create the Call of Duty League franchise, Boston Breach.
Despite their ambitions, Oxygen Esports struggled to achieve significant success, failing to secure championships for their Helix Esports facility at Patriot Place. Several sources have now indicated that the organization’s end is imminent, with Oxygen Esports layoffs affecting all staff as operations wind down entirely.
The situation has left many employees and players in a state of uncertainty. Members of the Boston Breach team have reportedly been informed that they will lose access to the Helix facility and be required to vacate their apartments by August 8, just before they are scheduled to compete in a $1.8 million Modern Warfare 3 tournament in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Adding to the chaos, the Oxygen Esports owner has reportedly suspended the Shift Summer League playoffs in Rocket League, just 30 minutes before they were set to begin on August 6. Staff involved in the event were told that the promised payments would not be fulfilled and were urged to continue working without compensation.
As of now, the board and shareholders of Oxygen Esports are reportedly attempting to resolve the situation, with formalities around severance pay expected to be finalized by August 9. However, many staff members feel they have been “left in the dark” about the organization’s future, with all employees and players affected by the potential closure of Oxygen Esports.
The fate of the 12th spot in the Call of Duty League, currently held by Boston Breach, is also unclear. Several organizations have expressed interest in joining the league, especially after Activision removed the $25 million entry fee and offered refunds to existing organizations.
Oxygen Esports has not yet issued an official statement regarding the situation.
