On June 18, Wolves Esports revealed plans to build a €23 million arena in Chongqing, China, to serve as a cultural and esports hub. In a separate move — contrary to what has been widely reported in the press — the club has also received investment from Chongqing Lvfa Industrial Group to support team development and digital ecosystem growth. The two moves by the club highlight a commitment to growth and expansion for Wolves Esports in Chongqing. Founded in 2018, the club is the esports division of Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, the English Premier League team.

With backing from the Chinese conglomerate Fosun International, which owns the esports club and the football team, the Wolves have rapidly expanded into a number of esports such as VALORANT — reaching the top four at VCT Masters Toronto —, Rainbow Six: Siege, Call of Duty Mobile, Honor of Kings and more. With a heavy focus on China as its target audience, the team has positioned itself as a powerhouse in the mobile gaming landscape with a global reach in other areas of the industry as well.

The investment from Chongqing Lvfa Industrial Group is to be used for a number of endeavors. According to the company, “This round of financing will focus on upgrading the team system and building an e-sports digital economy ecosystem to further consolidate Wolves Esports' leading advantages in professional competition, brand building and commercialization”.

Heavy focus on infrastructure

Wolves Esports are therefore also planning to construct a new home venue in Chongqing, China, with the total cost of the arena reportedly being upwards of approximately €23 million. At this moment, it is unclear whether the Lvfa industrial group is involved in the construction of the arena. More than just a sporting facility, the arena is envisioned as a cultural and social destination for Chongqing locals. The new arena is expected to spur economic activity in the area, and with strong government backing the Wolves are aiming to make Chongqing into a hub for Esports in China.

The cooperation between Wolves Esports and the city of Chongqing is one that has been in the works for some time, with the club describing the relationship as the two “running towards each other”. The Wolves’ continued competitive success and cultural impact in the district caught the attention of the Chongqing government, who has since assisted the club in its development.

With the construction of the new arena, as well as the moving of the Wolves Esports headquarters to Bishan, Chongqing, the two parties demonstrate a heavy focus on infrastructure and the development of an esports ecosystem in the city. Wolves already had a temporary home venue in the city, located at Chongqing Bishan Culture and Arts Centre and hosted over 130 events from 2024 to June 2025.