Esports Marketing – Sorting the Opportunities from the Hype

What is “esports” and what do Bud Lite, Mercedes Benz and Louis Vuitton have in common? Are kids who play Call of Duty for money professional athletes? Why did Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, buy a professional esports team? Was the world championship match for a video game competition really held at the 80,000-seat Beijing National “Bird’s Nest” Stadium?

All these questions and more will be answered in a fast-paced presentation that looks at the economics of esports and the marketing opportunities that come with a global audience of 18-34 year old males who don’t watch TV.  Opportunities at the league, team, and player level will be discussed, legal and business pitfalls and considerations will be flagged, and the difference between irrational exuberance and genuine value will be examined.