> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.c3esports.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Creating a Team

> Set up your C3 Esports team, configure your roster invite, and get ready to register for a season.

Creating a team makes you its **team manager**. You are responsible for registering for seasons, building the roster, and submitting match results. Every team has exactly one manager at a time.

<Note>
  Before creating a team, make sure your own account is fully set up: you need a verified .edu email address and a linked Discord account. See [Verifying Your .edu Email](/getting-started/creating-your-account) and [Linking Discord](/getting-started/linking-discord).
</Note>

***

## Step-by-step: Create a team

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to the team creation page">
    Navigate to [c3esports.com/teams/create](https://c3esports.com/teams/create). You can also reach it by clicking **Teams** in the top navigation bar, then **Create Team**.

    <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/c3esportsleague/images/creating-a-team-nav.png" alt="Teams listing page with a Create Team button in the top-right corner" />
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter your team name">
    Choose a name between 3 and 50 characters. Team names must be unique across the platform. Names that violate the [Code of Conduct](/rules/code-of-conduct) may be forcibly changed by staff.

    <Tip>
      Many teams include their university's name or initials. Something like "UT Arlington Rockets" or "UTA Rockets" is clear and easy to recognize in standings.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set your team tag">
    The tag is a 2–5 character abbreviation shown next to your team name throughout the platform — in standings tables, match pages, and bracket views. Tags must also be unique. Example: **UTA**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload a team logo (optional)">
    Upload a square image in PNG or JPG format, at least 256×256 pixels. A clean, high-contrast logo works best at small sizes.

    <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/c3esportsleague/images/creating-a-team-logo-upload.png" alt="Team creation form with the logo upload dropzone highlighted" />
  </Step>

  <Step title="Write a team description (optional)">
    A short bio for your public team page — your school, home region, Discord server link, or anything you want opponents to know about you.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit the form">
    Click **Create Team**. Your team is created immediately and you are taken to your new team page.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Draft status

All newly created teams start with a **Draft** status badge. A Draft team:

* Is visible to team members and staff but not listed in public season standings
* Cannot play scheduled matches against other teams
* Has no division assignment yet

Your team leaves Draft status once it is approved during a season's registration window.

<img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/c3esportsleague/images/creating-a-team-draft-badge.png" alt="Team page header showing a yellow &#x22;Draft&#x22; status badge" />

<Tip>
  Use the Draft period to build your roster and make sure all players are eligible. Registration moves fast once it opens — being prepared saves stress.
</Tip>

***

## Invite code system

After creation, your team page displays an **Invite Code** and a shareable invite link. This is how players join your roster:

1. Share the invite code or the full invite link (`https://c3esports.com/teams/join?code=YOURCODE`) with your players — Discord DM or your team's server works great.
2. Players visit [c3esports.com/teams/join](https://c3esports.com/teams/join) and enter the code (or just click the link).
3. They are added to your roster automatically.

<Warning>
  Only share your invite code with players you actually want on your roster. Anyone who has the code can join. If your code is shared by accident, regenerate it immediately from **Team Settings → Regenerate Invite Code**.
</Warning>

Players must have a verified .edu email **and** a linked Discord account before they can use an invite code. Players who have not completed these steps will see an error and need to finish their account setup first.

<img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/c3esportsleague/images/creating-a-team-invite-code.png" alt="Team page showing the invite code section with a copy button and regenerate option" />

***

## What to do next

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Build your roster" icon="users-plus" href="/managers/managing-roster">
    Add players using the invite code and confirm everyone meets eligibility requirements before the registration deadline.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Register for a season" icon="calendar-check" href="/managers/registering-for-season">
    When registration opens, submit your team for the upcoming season and choose your division.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>


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