Naver and KRAFTON partner to expand PUBG esports on Chzzk

Naver and KRAFTON signed a memorandum of understanding to expand PUBG: Battlegrounds esports on Naver’s live-streaming platform Chzzk. Chzzk will broadcast tournaments, form partnerships with esports leagues and host fan events starting at the PUBG Nations Cup 2026 (PNC 2026) in Seoul. Naver will run a Chzzk streaming booth during the PNC grand finals from June 26 to 28.

Under the agreement, Naver will air PUBG esports tournaments on Chzzk and pursue formal ties with existing leagues to widen viewing options for fans. The companies said some tournament content will be exclusive to Chzzk. They plan joint promotions and fan events scheduled to align with the PUBG esports calendar.

Naver highlighted support for its community of streamers, offering greater freedom for creators to produce PUBG-related content that matches their styles and audiences. KRAFTON’s PUBG esports division will provide official esports content and branding while working with Naver to expand distribution and engagement.

Shin Seul-ki, Naver’s game content partnership lead, described the aim as combining PUBG’s global intellectual property with Chzzk’s streaming and community capabilities to broaden viewing experiences. Suyong Park, KRAFTON’s head of esports, said the agreement will increase links with external platforms and speed efforts to strengthen PUBG esports content.

KRAFTON has expanded its esports activity in recent months. The company signed a three-year partnership with the Korea e-Sports Association to support school esports programs, and in December 2025 announced an investment of about Rs 1,800 crore (roughly $200 million) in India over three to four years, with part of the funding allocated to esports production and gaming initiatives.

Naver and KRAFTON said the MoU is intended to create more entry points for fans to watch competitive PUBG, raise production and distribution of esports content, and strengthen community interaction through streamer-led programming and on-site fan experiences at major events such as PNC 2026.