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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

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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,

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& 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.

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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.

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