Are Esports sustainable in College Athletics
Reggie Mencer
October 8, 2023
SMGT 506
Abstract
This research paper explores the burgeoning phenomenon of Esports and its potential
integration as an official sport within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). As
Esports continues its meteoric rise in popularity and profitability, questions have arisen about its
recognition and inclusion in the NCAA's framework. The paper investigates the implications of
such integration, including the impact on student-athletes, the challenges involved, and the
evolving landscape of collegiate sports. With a focus on the recent changes in NCAA
regulations, particularly concerning Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, this study delves
into the opportunities and complexities surrounding Esports' quest for recognition within the
NCAA. Through an analysis of the current state of Esports, NCAA policies, and the experiences
of Esports athletes, this research sheds light on the potential transformation of collegiate athletics
and the empowerment of Esports participants in the modern era.
Introduction
The world of sports is in a constant state of evolution, with new forms of competition and
entertainment emerging to captivate audiences and athletes alike. One such phenomenon that has
taken the sporting world by storm is Esports, a category of competitive video gaming that has
grown exponentially in popularity and profitability. Esports, once considered a niche subculture,
has now become a global industry with professional players, lucrative sponsorships, and a
dedicated fan base. With its meteoric rise, questions have arisen about whether Esports should be
recognized as a sanctioned sport in institutions like the National Collegiate Athletic Association
(NCAA). This research paper gains even more traction in light of recent changes to NCAA
policies regarding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights for student-athletes. This paper
delves into the intriguing intersection of Esports, NCAA regulations, and the potential for
Esports to join the ranks of traditional collegiate sports. It explores the implications of NIL rights
for Esports players, the challenges and opportunities of such a transition, and the broader impact
on the landscape of college athletics. In this era of rapid technological advancement and shifting
paradigms, the integration of Esports into the NCAA raises essential questions about the future
of collegiate sports and the empowerment of student-athletes.
Virtual Reality and Esports
Virtual Reality (VR) and Esports are two transformative elements reshaping the
landscape of sports in the contemporary digital age. VR has emerged as a cutting-edge
technology, offering immersive experiences that redefine how individuals engage with sports
content. These experiences encompass mixed, augmented, and immersive realities, enhancing
fan engagement and enabling novel ways to consume sports (Miah, Fenton, & Chadwick, 2020).
Esports, on the other hand, represent the convergences of competitive gaming and organized
sports, fueling a global phenomenon. Esports experiences are characterized by their virtual
nature, where professional gamers compete in various video game titles, attracting a massive and
dedicated following. While both VR and Esports have gained significant traction, their
incorporation into traditional sports programs, particularly within the NCAA, has been met with
challenges and resistance.
The incorporation of Virtual Reality (VR) and Esports into the realm of college sports
presents a dynamic landscape with both advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side,
these technologies can greatly enhance the fan experience, offering immersive and interactive
ways for supporters to engage with collegiate sports events. VR can transport fans to the heart of
the action, even when physically distant, fostering a stronger sense of connection to their favorite
teams and athletes. Esports, with its rapidly growing viewership, can attract a younger
demographic to college sports, potentially expanding the fan base. Moreover, the integration of
VR and Esports could open up new revenue streams for NCAA programs, from virtual ticket
sales to sponsorships in the digital realm.
However, alongside these advantages, challenges and disadvantages emerge when
seeking to integrate VR and Esports into college sports. Traditionalists may resist these
innovations, viewing them as divergent from the core values of physical athleticism and
competition. Concerns related to athlete well-being, particularly in Esports, where sedentary
gaming is prevalent, raise questions about the potential health risks. Additionally, the regulatory
and logistical aspects of implementing VR and Esports into NCAA sports programs, such as
compliance with Title IX and maintaining competitive balance, demand careful consideration.
The study by Miah, Fenton, and Chadwick sheds light on these complexities, underlining the
need for a balanced approach to harness the advantages while mitigating the disadvantages of
integrating VR and Esports into college sports.
The financial landscape of Esports has experienced a remarkable ascent, making it a
compelling phenomenon for college sports programs. Esports' revenue generation has surged to
unprecedented levels (Delello, McWhorter, Roberts, Dockery, De Giuseppe, and Corona 2021).
With projections of reaching nearly $1.79 billion in 2022, the monetary potential of Esports is
undeniable. This surge in revenue can be attributed to multiple revenue streams, including
broadcasting rights, sponsorships, merchandise sales, and ticketing for live events. These
financial aspects not only benefit collegiate Esports teams but also have the potential to reshape
the economic landscape of college sports programs as a whole.
On the other hand, along with the substantial financial rewards come certain
considerations and challenges. The influx of money into college Esports can have both positive
and negative impacts on student-athletes. On the one hand, the financial incentives can provide
scholarship opportunities and financial support for aspiring gamers, aligning with the ethos of
collegiate sports. On the other hand, the lure of significant financial gains might pose a dilemma
for student-athletes, who must balance their academic pursuits with competitive gaming.
Moreover, as the revenue of Esports continues to grow, colleges and universities must address
compliance issues and potential changes to NCAA rules, particularly concerning Name, Image,
and Likeness (NIL) regulations. Thus, while the financial benefits of Esports are undeniable,
they bring forth a range of complex issues that necessitate careful consideration and regulation
within the college sports landscape.
Integration of Esports into college athletics
The integration of Esports into the athletic departments of colleges and universities marks
a significant departure from traditional college sports. Historically, college sports conjured
images of football, basketball, soccer, and the like. However, with the proliferation of high-speed
internet, Esports has emerged as a legitimate and rapidly growing addition to the college sports
landscape. This shift was exemplified by Robert Morris University in Illinois, which became an
early adopter of collegiate Esports in 2014. The incorporation of Esports into college athletic
programs, though exciting, has brought forth a range of challenges (Walton, Lower-Hoppe, and
Horger 2020).
One of the most notable challenges is the financial burden associated with Esports
integration. Unlike traditional sports, Esports requires investment in technology, facilities,
equipment, and scholarships for talented gamers. Furthermore, the issue of gender equity, as
governed by Title IX guidelines, arises as colleges aim to offer Esports opportunities to both
male and female athletes. The intricacies of integrating Esports into amateur sports have led to a
series of ups and downs since 2014. As a result, the NCAA faces mounting pressure to
reevaluate its rules and regulations, particularly in the context of Name, Image, and Likeness
(NIL) considerations. The integration of Esports into college campuses represents a
transformative shift in collegiate athletics, replete with both opportunities and challenges that
demand careful navigation and legal analysis.
The recognition of Esports as a legitimate sport within college athletics involves a
multifaceted process, with institutions needing to adhere to specific standards and requirements.
As elucidated by Kane and Spradley in their article "Recognizing ESports as a Sport," this
recognition entails compliance with federal regulations, most notably Title IX, which prohibits
gender-based discrimination in educational institutions receiving federal funding (Kane, Daniel,
& Spradley, Brandon 2017). Ensuring gender equity in Esports and the allocation of resources is
a critical aspect of integrating it into college athletics. Institutions must demonstrate their
commitment to providing equal opportunities for male and female student-athletes, preventing
any disparities that could arise from the introduction of Esports.
Furthermore, financial considerations play a pivotal role in the recognition of Esports.
This emerging sport requires substantial financial support for technology, equipment, facilities,
coaching staff, and scholarships to attract and retain top Esports talent. As discussed in the
article, proper funding is essential to legitimize Esports within the college sports landscape.
The article further expands on the nuances of recognizing Esports as a sport, delving into
the criteria and challenges that colleges and universities face (Kane, Daniel, & Spradley,
Brandon 2017). It highlights the need for institutions to navigate complex regulations and ensure
that Esports is treated with the same seriousness and professionalism as traditional sports. In
conclusion, the recognition of Esports within college athletics necessitates adherence to legal
requirements and financial investments to ensure its equitable and successful integration into the
NCAA.
Esports Impact on NIL
Esports has emerged as a significant factor in the ongoing discussion surrounding Name,
Image, and Likeness (NIL) in college sports. While traditional college athletes often face
challenges related to NIL opportunities, the esports landscape presents a unique set of advantages
and disadvantages. One notable advantage is the potential for esports athletes to capitalize on
their NIL rights to a greater extent, as the esports industry provides ample opportunities for
individual branding and sponsorship deals. This contrasts with some traditional college athletes
who may struggle to monetize their NIL due to the regulations governing their respective sports
(Oja et al., 2018).
Nevertheless, there are also challenges associated with esports and NIL. One
disadvantage is the risk of esports athletes opting to forgo their collegiate careers in pursuit of
professional opportunities and financial gain. Unlike traditional athletes, esports players can
potentially earn substantial incomes from tournaments and streaming platforms while still in
college. This creates a dilemma for colleges and universities as they try to strike a balance
between promoting education and accommodating the financial aspirations of their esports
athletes. Furthermore, the dynamic nature of esports and the rapid evolution of games and
platforms can complicate NIL arrangements, making it crucial for both institutions and athletes
to navigate these challenges effectively (Oja et al., 2018).
The impact of esports on NIL in college sports is a complex issue with both advantages
and disadvantages. Esports athletes have the potential to benefit significantly from their NIL
rights, but this also introduces challenges related to education, retention, and the evolving nature
of the esports industry. As colleges and universities continue to grapple with these dynamics,
finding the right balance between academics and esports-related opportunities will be essential to
ensure the well-being and success of student-athletes in this burgeoning field (Oja et al., 2018).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the integration of Esports into the realm of college athletics is a
multifaceted endeavor that presents a dynamic landscape filled with opportunities and
challenges. Esports, once a niche subculture, has rapidly evolved into a global industry,
reshaping the sports landscape and captivating a new generation of fans and athletes. The
potential recognition of Esports as a sanctioned sport within the National Collegiate Athletic
Association (NCAA) has been met with both enthusiasm and resistance. It raises essential
questions about the future of collegiate sports, the empowerment of student-athletes, and the
ability of colleges and universities to adapt to a changing digital landscape. This research paper
has explored these complex dynamics, shedding light on the implications of Name, Image, and
Likeness (NIL) rights for Esports players, the financial opportunities and challenges that come
with it, and the legal and regulatory considerations of integrating Esports into college athletics.
References
Delello, J. A., McWhorter, R. R., Roberts, P., Dockery, H. S., De Giuseppe, T., & Corona, F.
(2021). The Rise of eSports: Insights Into the Perceived Benefits and Risks for College
Students. International Journal of ESports Research (IJER), 1(1), 1–19.
Kane, D., & Spradley, B. D. (2017). Recognizing ESports as a Sport. Sport Journal, 1.
Miah, A., Fenton, A., & Chadwick, S. (2020). Virtual Reality and Sports: The Rise of Mixed,
Augmented, Immersive, and Esports Experiences. In Future of Business and Finance (pp.
249–262).
Oja, B. D., Zvosec, C. C., Hyland, S., Bass, J. R., Mays, J., Krueger, K., Christian, R., &
Wilkerson, Z. (2018). Work Versus Play: An Examination of the Motivations of
Collegiate Esports Athletes. International Journal of Sport Management, 19(4), 361–382.
Walton, D. R., Lower-Hoppe, L. M., & Horger, M. (2020). Do Esports Classify as Intercollegiate
Sport? Legal Analysis of Title IX. Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics, 94–118.
