By most accounts global video game player competitions began with the invitation-only player event to compete in the Spacewar combat game at Stanford University in 1972. Electronic game player competitions have now proven to be a massive revenue generator and a highly sustainable subset of the sports industry marketplace. A fast-growing circuit of professional video game players, financial backers and fans appear to be taking the hybrid world of sports and electronic entertainment by storm. Leagues have been established, and an enthusiastic community of fans are pinning their hopes—and their money– on their favorite teams and players. So where is all of this money going? What are players receiving in return for their training and personal sacrifices? And what does the future hold for this ever-expanding branch of the sports industry?
Player Salaries Don’t Yet Reflect Market Demand
Despite its start back in 1972 the arena of Esports is still considered by many to be somewhat of a novelty when compared to major college and professional sports that have successfully endured for much longer. As a consequence, the esports compensation landscape still resembles the early days of the wild west; players are only being offered and ultimately accepting payment deals that don’t come close to reflecting the profits collected by those who finance and sponsor them. In time, this wild landscape may be tamed by collective bargaining and become more transparent, but in the interim, too many players are not adequately profiting on their passion and substantial personal sacrifice in terms of extensive time commitments, rigorous training regimens and exhausting travel requirements.
Representation is Critical to Esports Success
In a rapidly escalating marketplace, players who hope to make it big should give themselves every advantage from the start. And the most powerful advantage of all comes from savvy, knowledgeable, and protective legal representation. The right legal team can make sure contracts and compensation keep up with the time, sweat, and love that passionate digital athletes pour into their games. And as the sport continues to grow in scope and popularity, the role of esports player representation comes closer and closer to the equivalent role in traditional professional sports.
Standardized Contracts Between Teams, Leagues and Players
In fact, at this point, entering the high-profile esports circuit without representation can leave a player on the sidelines, since team owners are negotiating with organized leagues for franchise slots and continuing to use onerous, one-sided player services agreements. Private corporate sponsorships are also growing in contract complexity and potential returns but with extremely limited participation for the players themselves.
Esports Team Owners and Investors
In the world of esports, team owners and investors also have a lot to gain and lose when the time comes to negotiate contracts with players, agents, league managers, and other stakeholders. And the numbers on the table are likely to increase dramatically over the next few years as ROIs accelerate, fan bases continue to grow exponentially, and more vendors compete to claim a piece of the esports widening real estate. An experienced attorney can help you (i) tailor the most optimal management structure to avoid mishaps within your team entity, and (ii) factor market trends and predictions into your team’s contracting strategy for league franchise slots, in order to protect your long-term bottom line.
Time for the Next Move: Contact an Esports Contract Negotiation and Marketing Attorney Today
When you’re ready to take your online gaming participation to the next level, don’t go it alone! Our team can help you chart the course of your esports career and make smart long-term decisions and commitments. Professional legal representation can protect you from contracting mistakes and help you gain the highest possible returns on your investment of effort, passion and financial resources.To discuss your needs with an experienced lawyer who understands the esports world inside and out, call Brian J. Murphy, Attorney & Counselor at Law, at 310-473-3500 or send us an email.
To give you the best possible experience this site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. For more information on cookies and how we use them visit our Privacy Policy.
