As esports continue to grow at an unprecedented rate, it’s no longer a question of if athletic directors should embrace it but how. With global revenues projected to exceed $4.3 billion and fan bases expanding to over 600 million, esports is reshaping the landscape of both collegiate and high school athletics. For athletic directors, it may be time to start planning the integration of esports into your program.
1. Why Esports Deserves Your Attention
Booming Popularity
Esports is one of the fastest-growing sports globally, with students increasingly drawn to its unique mix of strategy, competition and teamwork. In the U.S., about 85% of teens play video games, and approximately 20 state athletic associations now offer state-sponsored esports competitions.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Unlike traditional sports, esports remove barriers to participation. Students who may not thrive in physical sports find a welcoming community in esports, fostering inclusion and engagement. Programs like those at Cherry Creek High School in Colorado demonstrate how quickly esports grow and reach students who previously felt disconnected from extracurricular activities.
Revenue Potential
When done right, esports offer high returns with low overhead. Costs for facilities and equipment pale in comparison to traditional sports, and programs often recoup initial investments through student enrollment, sponsorships and community support. Some schools have seen as much as a nine-to-one return on investment.
Alignment with Educational Goals
Esports don’t just entertain—they educate. Players develop critical skills such as problem-solving, communication and strategic thinking. Academic departments like computer science and digital marketing can team up with esports programs, building partnerships that benefit both and bring new energy to the school community.
2. Key Benefits for Athletic Directors
Enhancing Title IX Compliance
Esports provide a unique opportunity to balance gender equity in athletics. With proper recruitment and support, teams can be built to reflect gender diversity, offering equal opportunities for all students.
Boosting Recruitment and Retention
Collegiate esports programs demonstrate the power of esports to attract students. In a survey of 97 small schools with esports programs, the median number of students who enrolled partly or entirely because of esports in the first year of the program was 10. High school programs similarly create pathways for engagement, turning casual gamers into active participants in school culture.
Strengthening Community Engagement
Esports bridge gaps between students, parents and educators. Recognizing esports teams alongside traditional sports at pep rallies or in school newsletters fosters a sense of community and pride.
3. Building a Winning Esports Program
Start with the Basics
- Identify Interest: Gauge student demand and identify popular games like League of Legends, Overwatch or Rocket League.
- Secure Buy-In: Gain support from administrators, parents and coaches by highlighting esports’ benefits, including scholarships and career opportunities.
- Plan the Budget: Start-up costs for a 10-15 player team typically range from $8,000 to $50,000 for equipment and infrastructure, with ongoing expenses for software licenses and hardware upgrades.
Create a Team Culture
- Establish Eligibility Requirements: Mirror those of traditional sports, such as maintaining GPA standards and passing physicals if required.
- Hire Coaches and Advisors: While finding gaming-savvy adults may be challenging, consider technology teachers or community members with an interest in esports.
- Foster Leadership: Encourage students to take ownership through roles like team captains or “shot callers.”
Invest in Facilities
- Gaming Arenas: While not essential, dedicated spaces like Ashland University’s library-turned-gaming space elevate the program’s prestige and attract student interest.
- Practice Spaces: For schools with limited resources, library or computer labs can serve as interim solutions.
4. Overcoming Challenges
Skepticism and Stigma
Some stakeholders may question esports’ legitimacy as a sport. Emphasize its competitive nature, mental rigor and alignment with academic goals. Highlight success stories, such as scholarships offered to esports athletes and their inclusion in national competitions.
Managing Rapid Growth
Esports programs can scale quickly, as seen at Cherry Creek High School, which grew from a small club to 150 players in just a few years. To manage growth:
- Appoint additional coaches or advisors.
- Create structured schedules for practice and competition.
- Leverage partnerships with platforms like PlayVS for logistical support.
5. Preparing for the Future
Collaborating with Colleges
High school esports programs can act as feeders for collegiate teams, where scholarship opportunities and career pathways abound. Schools should work closely with colleges to align their programs with higher education expectations.
Embracing Innovation
Esports is a dynamic field, constantly evolving with new games, technologies and cultural trends. Stay informed by participating in conferences, connecting with industry leaders and actively seeking feedback from students.
Embracing the Esports Evolution
Esports offers athletic directors a unique opportunity to meet students where they are while advancing the mission of their athletic programs. By investing in esports, schools can increase engagement, enhance diversity and position themselves as leaders in a rapidly growing field.
With careful planning and a commitment to inclusion and innovation, athletic directors can turn esports into a cornerstone of their programs, preparing students for success in competition, academics and life.
