CSMG Launch First-of-Its-Kind Pit Crew Certification Program with Cisco as Part of CECC May Madness Corporate Champion Partnership
Stamford, CT – October 31, 2025 – Collegiate Sports Management Group (CSMG) and EsportsU proudly announce that Cisco has signed on as a Corporate Champion Sponsor for CECC May Madness 2026, launching a national initiative: the Cisco Pit Crew – “Powering the Field of Play at CECC.”
Inspired by Cisco’s acclaimed partnership with McLaren F1, the Cisco Pit Crew is a groundbreaking student experience and certification program that brings technology talent to the forefront of collegiate esports. Designed to highlight the critical role of tech crews in high-performance gameplay environments, the initiative creates new career pathways for students by combining education, certification, and real-world work experience at esports events and broadcasts. The program connects Cisco Networking Academy curriculum to real-time, high-pressure environments like CECC, mirroring the precision and innovation seen in Formula One racing.
As part of the initiative, 12 schools will be selected through an application process to form elite campus Pit Crews. These students will receive exclusive Cisco Pit Crew jerseys, access to foundational Cisco Networking Academy courses, and an esports infrastructure module. Completion of the experience culminates in a Cisco Pit Crew Certification—a powerful resume credential that blends tech fluency with live-event execution.
At CECC May Madness 2026, the Cisco Pit Crew experience will come to life with a fully functional tech solutions pit area, featuring interactive simulations inspired by Cisco’s McLaren F1 partnership—translating the high-stakes energy of the pit lane into challenges around networking, security, and latency management in esports environments. Activations will include real-time engagement with Riot Games and League of Legends content, complemented by Cisco Pit Crew Awards and an Esports Director’s Reception.
“Gaming and esports are transforming higher education,” said Angela Bernhard Thomas, Chief Esports Officer at EsportsU. “Campuses are building arenas, creating academic programs, and awarding scholarships. The Cisco Pit Crew extends that momentum by offering tech-savvy students a role behind the scenes—just as important as players and coaches.”
As collegiate esports accelerates—with new degree programs, scholarships, and purpose-built arenas—Cisco’s commitment marks a defining step in shaping the industry’s competitive and professional future, alongside CSMG’s continued leadership in developing the scholastic gaming ecosystem.
For partnership inquiries or to apply for the Cisco Pit Crew, visit https://www.collegiatesmg.com/ciscopitcrew.
About Cisco
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that is revolutionizing the way organizations connect and protect in the AI era. For more than 40 years, Cisco has securely connected the world. With its industry leading AI-powered solutions and services, Cisco enables its customers, partners and communities to unlock innovation, enhance productivity and strengthen digital resilience. With purpose at its core, Cisco remains committed to creating a more connected and inclusive future for all.
About CSMG
Collegiate Sports Management Group (CSMG) is a U.S.-based company specializing in the commercialization of collegiate esports and traditional sports properties. CSMG owns and operates the Collegiate Esports Commissioner’s Cup (CECC), the largest collegiate esports championship in North America, known as “May Madness.”
About CECC May Madness
CECC is the largest multi-conference collegiate esports event in North America, culminating in a national championship weekend that celebrates student gamers, tech innovation, and campus engagement.
Contact: csmgnews@collegiatesmg.com
