The ESA Foundation Announces IGN Entertainment as Official Sponsor of 2026 Nite to Unite Gala

Sponsorships Now Available for Annual Fundraiser Celebrating and Supporting Future Video Game Creators

WASHINGTON, D.C. – October 21, 2025 – The ESA Foundation (ESAF) today announced that IGN Entertainment, one of the world’s leading games and entertainment media brands, will serve as an official sponsor of the foundation’s annual Nite to Unite on March 10, 2026, in San Francisco, California. The event brings together leaders from across the video game industry to raise funds to support scholarships, career opportunities, and nonprofit organizations that empower the next generation of creators.

The gala will be hosted at the historic Palace Hotel, where guests will enjoy an evening of celebration, networking, and entertainment while raising funds for ESAF’s mission to help students and nonprofit organizations working in the STEAM space.

Sponsorships for Nite to Unite are available now. Single tickets will be available starting in January, based on availability. ESAF is also seeking donations such as event tickets, vacations, and unique items for the event’s silent auction. Click here for more information on how to make a donation.

“IGN Entertainment has always uplifted the creativity of the gaming community, and we’re excited to continue working together to champion the next generation of diverse talent,” said Sue Madden, Executive Director of the ESA Foundation. “Their support as a three-time sponsor underscores the power of collaboration between industry leaders and the ESA Foundation in ensuring that students can pursue their dreams in the video games industry.”

“IGN Entertainment is thrilled to once again partner with the ESA for Nite to Unite next year. This event is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when the entire gaming community comes together,” said Yael Prough, President of Ziff Davis Gaming & Entertainment. “Our partnership extends across our family of brands, including Humble Bundle, which through its gaming ecommerce platform has raised more than $272 million for over 34,000 charities worldwide. Supporting gaming-related causes and empowering creators has always been core to Humble’s mission, and this year’s dedicated bundle will once again help fund the ESA Foundation’s important work. The Foundation’s impact on future generations of game makers is vital, and we’re honored to continue standing alongside them in that mission.”

Funds raised from Nite to Unite directly support ESAF’s scholarship programs and charitable initiatives, which have already provided more than $20 million in grants and scholarships to women and underrepresented students aspiring to careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) and games used for education purposes.

For more information about Nite to Unite and to learn about sponsorship, please visit the event website.

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About the ESA Foundation
The ESA Foundation awards scholarships to the next generation of industry innovators and supports schools and nonprofits that leverage interactive entertainment technology to create meaningful STEAM opportunities for America’s youth. It seeks to harness the power of the video game industry to create positive social impact and supports geographically diverse projects and programs benefitting grantees of all ages, races and genders. To date, the ESA Foundation has raised more than $23 million for a wide variety of worthy causes, primarily through its signature fundraising gala, Nite to Unite.

About IGN Entertainment
IGN Entertainment, a subsidiary of Ziff Davis, Inc., is one of the world’s largest gaming and entertainment media platforms and the go-to destination for fans to explore and celebrate games, film, TV, comics and much more. Across its 15 digital properties, IGN Entertainment reaches more than 470 million monthly users across over 100 countries and engages with 85 million fans on social media. Its portfolio includes favorites such as IGN, Eurogamer, Outside Xbox, Rock Paper Shotgun, and MapGenie, delivering daily content across over 42 platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and connected TV. Through its online digital store Humble Bundle, IGN Entertainment has donated over $270 million to more than 38,000 charities worldwide, underscoring its commitment to making a positive impact. Headquartered in Los Angeles, IGN Entertainment’s content is localized in 20 languages. Learn more at corp.ign.com