My journey in the collegiate esports space has been a whirlwind of excitement, challenges, and invaluable lessons. From the early days of struggling to gain recognition to now witnessing the incredible growth of the industry, to also talk to many professionals in the space and talking about the financial struggle most competitive esports programs are facing, still one persistent challenge remains: How do we create sustainable collegiate esports programs that don't rely mostly on university funding?
When I first ventured into collegiate esports, the concept was new, and the support was minimal, especially outside the US. Universities were hesitant to allocate funds to what they perceived as a niche activity. However, with determination and a clear vision, university administrators began to build a foundation that could support the growth of esports within academic institutions.
To ensure the sustainability of collegiate esports programs, it's crucial to diversify revenue streams. Relying solely on university funding can be precarious and most universities rely mostly on this kind of funding. Marcus "Esports" Howard shared one of his polls which received 28 responses that stated 45% of collegiate esports programs have budgets that are 50%-100% funded by their university. He then shared another poll indicating that 55% of collegiate esports programs would have staff layoffs or fully shut down if school/grant funding was cut.
Especially during times of budget cuts or shifting priorities, Here are some strategies that have proven effective by sustainable collegiate esports programs:
Building a sustainable collegiate esports program requires a strong sense of community and support. It's essential to create an environment where students feel valued and supported in their academic and competitive endeavors. We would be surprised at the results if more roles would be filled by students and program leaders would make their students look for ways to find their own funding for LAN events, gear and many other essentials to have a great college experience.
The future of collegiate esports needs less involvement by the university administration and more outside funding. By diversifying revenue streams, emphasizing education and career opportunities, and fostering a strong sense of community, we can build programs that stand the test of time.
Being in collegiate athletic recruitment for many years, there was a similar trend. The sports that generated money in the collegiate scene were Basketball and American Football in most cases, the other sports were used for student recruitment. In order to offer full ride scholarships to top talent, head coaches needed to recruit an “x” number of students and a “x” percentage tuition scholarship.
My journey in esports and education has taught me that progress is not always linear, but every step forward contributes to the overall growth of the industry. We still have to learn many lessons along the way and unfortunately many programs will come and go. Universities will have different values and objectives with an esports program but one thing is clear after seeing Marcus howard’s statistics: esports programs need to rely less on university funding.
What are your thoughts on building sustainable collegiate esports programs? How have you seen these programs evolve, and what strategies have worked in your experience? Share your insights and let's continue this important conversation!
When I first ventured into collegiate esports, the concept was new, and the support was minimal, especially outside the US. Universities were hesitant to allocate funds to what they perceived as a niche activity. However, with determination and a clear vision, university administrators began to build a foundation that could support the growth of esports within academic institutions.
To ensure the sustainability of collegiate esports programs, it's crucial to diversify revenue streams. Relying solely on university funding can be precarious and most universities rely mostly on this kind of funding. Marcus "Esports" Howard shared one of his polls which received 28 responses that stated 45% of collegiate esports programs have budgets that are 50%-100% funded by their university. He then shared another poll indicating that 55% of collegiate esports programs would have staff layoffs or fully shut down if school/grant funding was cut.
Especially during times of budget cuts or shifting priorities, Here are some strategies that have proven effective by sustainable collegiate esports programs:
- Securing sponsorships from brands and companies that align with the esports industry is a game-changer. These partnerships not only provide financial support but also bring credibility and visibility to the program. Building relationships with local businesses, tech companies, and gaming brands can create a steady stream of income, resources and job recruitment after students graduate.
- Offering esports scholarships attracts top talent and legitimizes the program. Scholarships can be funded through a combination of private donations, sponsorships, and alumni contributions. Highlighting the academic and career benefits of esports participation can also encourage more stakeholders to invest in these scholarships. Alumni for esports might not be as effective as collegiate esports is very recent in most cases but there’s always a passionate gamer you can find. As of today, most esports scholarships come from university funding to increase student recruitment.
- Creating and selling branded merchandise can generate additional revenue. From team jerseys and hoodies to accessories and gaming gear, merchandising not only raises funds but also promotes school spirit and a sense of community among students and fans. The downside is It’s hard and requires more time to create raving fans.
- Organizing local, regional, or even national esports tournaments can be a significant revenue source. Entry fees, sponsorships, and ticket sales for live events contribute to the financial health of the program. Additionally, these events provide valuable exposure and networking opportunities for students. They don’t have to always be gaming or esports related, some programs have the privilege of having an amazing space to leverage for all types of events that the local community can benefit from.
- Engaging alumni who were part of the esports program can lead to generous donations and support. Creating an active alumni network and keeping them informed about the program's progress and achievements fosters a sense of belonging and encourages ongoing contributions. As mentioned, it’s a more long term vision due to the recent rise of collegiate esports and sometimes not a main priority as Esports directors have the pressure of meeting objectives like the number of students they need to recruit per year.
- A key aspect of building sustainable esports programs is highlighting the educational and career benefits to the university administration. Esports is more than just gaming; it's a gateway to numerous career paths, including game design, marketing, event management, and more. By integrating esports with academic development, they can attract students who are not only passionate about gaming but also eager to pursue careers in related fields. Not only attract new students but engage current students with the program’s infrastructure and opportunities.
- Earning a degree while competing in esports legitimizes students' skills and experiences, making them more attractive to potential employers. This dual focus on academics and esports ensures that graduates are prepared for both gaming-related careers and other professional opportunities. Like with athletes in traditional sports, companies are looking for candidates that have that competitive edge.
Building a sustainable collegiate esports program requires a strong sense of community and support. It's essential to create an environment where students feel valued and supported in their academic and competitive endeavors. We would be surprised at the results if more roles would be filled by students and program leaders would make their students look for ways to find their own funding for LAN events, gear and many other essentials to have a great college experience.
The future of collegiate esports needs less involvement by the university administration and more outside funding. By diversifying revenue streams, emphasizing education and career opportunities, and fostering a strong sense of community, we can build programs that stand the test of time.
Being in collegiate athletic recruitment for many years, there was a similar trend. The sports that generated money in the collegiate scene were Basketball and American Football in most cases, the other sports were used for student recruitment. In order to offer full ride scholarships to top talent, head coaches needed to recruit an “x” number of students and a “x” percentage tuition scholarship.
My journey in esports and education has taught me that progress is not always linear, but every step forward contributes to the overall growth of the industry. We still have to learn many lessons along the way and unfortunately many programs will come and go. Universities will have different values and objectives with an esports program but one thing is clear after seeing Marcus howard’s statistics: esports programs need to rely less on university funding.
What are your thoughts on building sustainable collegiate esports programs? How have you seen these programs evolve, and what strategies have worked in your experience? Share your insights and let's continue this important conversation!