Why esports is still about Razer and Red Bull, not Pepsi and Arby’s

NBC Sports announced recently that it will spend millions to broadcast Rocket League this summer, a vehicular soccer game developed and published by Psyonix, making NBCUniversal the latest big brand to find its way into the esports world. Television networks like NBC Sports Network and mainstream consumer brands crave access to a younger demographic, something esports can provide. Getting those viewers and turning them into sponsor and advertising dollars, however, is another story.

So far, esports has seen limited activation by mainstream advertisers and sponsors. There have been some exceptions, though. The League of Legends World Championships are sponsored by Coca-Cola, while insurance company GEICO has made a big push into esports by sponsoring teams and events. Turner Sports, which broadcasts its ELEAGUE nationally on TBS, has pulled in sponsorship dollars from major brands such as Domino’s, Snickers, Buffalo Wild Wings and Arby’s.

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