Esports has been on the rise in recent years, and many gamers are looking to turn their passion for gaming into a career. However, in order to make it in the esports world, you need to have more than just skill and dedication. You also need to secure sponsorships to help fund your team or career. But how do you go about getting sponsored in esports? In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of securing sponsorships for your esports team or career, and provide tips on how to make yourself stand out to potential sponsors. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your esports career to the next level, this guide will help you get there.
Understanding Esports Sponsorships
What are Esports Sponsorships?
Esports sponsorships refer to the financial support and backing provided by companies or organizations to esports teams, players, and events. These sponsorships can come in various forms, including direct financial support, equipment sponsorships, and advertising deals.
Different Types of Sponsorships in Esports
There are several types of sponsorships in esports, including:
- Title Sponsorships: These are the most lucrative and high-profile sponsorships, where a company’s name becomes synonymous with the event or team. For example, the “Intel Extreme Masters” or the “Coca-Cola League of Legends Championship.”
- Equipment Sponsorships: Companies provide teams with the latest hardware and software to use during tournaments and practices. This can include gaming computers, peripherals, and accessories.
- In-Game Advertising: Companies can place their logo or advertisement within the game itself, usually as billboards or banners. This is a common form of advertising in popular games like “Fortnite” and “Call of Duty.”
- Streaming Sponsorships: With the rise of live streaming platforms like Twitch, companies can sponsor individual streamers or entire streaming channels. This can include direct financial support, equipment sponsorships, or advertising deals.
- Event Sponsorships: Companies can sponsor specific esports events, such as tournaments or conventions. This can include providing financial support, equipment, and advertising opportunities.
Understanding the different types of esports sponsorships is crucial for teams and players looking to secure financial support for their esports careers. By identifying the most suitable type of sponsorship, teams and players can increase their chances of finding the right partners to help them achieve their goals.
Benefits of Esports Sponsorships
- Increased Visibility and Exposure: Esports sponsorships can provide teams and players with a significant boost in visibility and exposure. This can be especially valuable for smaller teams or players looking to gain a larger following and increase their reach. Sponsorships can help to raise the profile of a team or player, making them more attractive to potential fans and followers.
- Financial Support for Teams and Players: Esports sponsorships can also provide much-needed financial support for teams and players. This can include funding for tournament entry fees, travel expenses, equipment, and other related costs. This financial support can be crucial for teams and players looking to compete at a higher level and achieve their goals.
- Opportunities for Brand Collaboration and Marketing: Esports sponsorships can also provide opportunities for brands to collaborate with teams and players on marketing campaigns. This can be a win-win for both parties, as brands can tap into the growing popularity of esports and reach a new audience, while teams and players can benefit from the increased exposure and financial support. In addition, brand collaborations can help to build relationships between teams and brands, leading to long-term partnerships and mutual benefits.
Preparing Your Esports Team or Career for Sponsorships
Building a Strong Brand Identity
Creating a Unique and Consistent Brand Image
- Develop a distinct visual identity, including a logo, color scheme, and typography that represent your team or career.
- Ensure consistency across all platforms, including social media, website, and merchandise.
- Consider creating a brand story that connects with your audience and differentiates your team or career from others.
Establishing a Strong Online Presence
- Create and maintain an engaging website that showcases your team or career, including a portfolio of achievements, upcoming events, and a blog.
- Utilize social media platforms, such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, to build a community of followers and share updates about your team or career.
- Engage with your audience by responding to comments, hosting Q&A sessions, and collaborating with other esports personalities.
Additionally, consider creating content that showcases your expertise and provides value to your audience, such as tutorials, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage. By establishing a strong brand identity and online presence, you can increase your visibility and attract potential sponsors.
Developing a Winning Track Record
When it comes to securing sponsorships for your esports team or career, having a winning track record is crucial. Here are some ways to develop a winning track record:
- Consistently Performing Well in Tournaments and Events
- Participating in a variety of tournaments and events to showcase your team’s or individual’s skills and abilities
- Strategically choosing tournaments and events that align with your team’s or individual’s strengths and goals
- Prioritizing preparation and practice to ensure peak performance during events
- Demonstrating Strong Skills and Talent
- Showcasing your team’s or individual’s expertise in your chosen game or games
- Continuously improving and refining your skills through practice and coaching
- Being able to adapt to different strategies and game styles as needed
By consistently performing well in tournaments and events and demonstrating strong skills and talent, you can establish a strong reputation as a reliable and skilled team or individual that sponsors would be interested in partnering with.
Networking and Building Relationships
One of the most effective ways to secure sponsorships for your esports team or career is by networking and building relationships with industry professionals and other teams. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Attending Esports Events and Conferences
Esports events and conferences are a great opportunity to meet and connect with industry professionals, sponsors, and other teams. Attend these events to build relationships, learn about the latest trends and opportunities in the esports industry, and showcase your team’s skills and achievements.
To make the most of these events, prepare a pitch or elevator speech that highlights your team’s strengths, accomplishments, and goals. This will help you effectively communicate your team’s value to potential sponsors.
Building Relationships with Industry Professionals and Other Teams
Building relationships with industry professionals and other teams is essential for securing sponsorships. Here are some ways to build and maintain relationships:
- Reach out to industry professionals and other teams through social media, email, or in-person at events.
- Offer to collaborate on projects or events, such as charity tournaments or community outreach initiatives.
- Share news and updates about your team’s achievements and activities with your network.
- Provide value to your network by sharing industry news, insights, and resources.
Remember that building relationships takes time and effort. Be genuine, respectful, and authentic in your interactions with others, and focus on building long-term relationships rather than short-term gains.
Securing Sponsorships for Your Esports Team or Career
Identifying Potential Sponsors
When it comes to securing sponsorships for your esports team or career, identifying potential sponsors is a crucial step. Here are some strategies you can use to find companies and brands that may be interested in sponsoring your team or individual career:
- Researching Companies and Brands in the Esports Industry: The first step in identifying potential sponsors is to research companies and brands that are already involved in the esports industry. Look for companies that have a track record of sponsoring esports teams or events, or that have a product or service that is relevant to the esports industry. You can start by making a list of the top companies in the industry, and then dig deeper to learn more about their sponsorship policies and criteria.
- Identifying Companies with Esports-Related Products or Services: Another strategy for identifying potential sponsors is to look for companies that have products or services that are relevant to the esports industry. For example, if your team specializes in a particular game, look for companies that make gaming peripherals or software that would be useful to your team. Alternatively, if your team is focused on content creation, look for companies that make equipment for streaming or video production. By identifying companies that have a direct interest in the esports industry, you can increase your chances of securing a sponsorship.
In addition to these strategies, it’s also important to consider the size and type of company you approach for sponsorship. Smaller companies may be more willing to take a chance on a new team or individual, while larger companies may have more stringent requirements for sponsorship. By researching and identifying potential sponsors that align with your team or individual career goals, you can increase your chances of securing the funding you need to succeed in the esports industry.
Creating a Sponsorship Proposal
When creating a sponsorship proposal, it’s important to keep in mind that you’re trying to convince a potential sponsor to invest in your esports team or career. Here are some key elements to include in your proposal to make it as compelling as possible:
- Outlining Your Team or Career Goals and Objectives
Your sponsorship proposal should start by outlining your team or career goals and objectives. This means that you need to be clear about what you want to achieve and how you plan to get there. For example, you might outline your plans to compete in a certain number of tournaments, or to win a certain number of matches. Be specific and realistic in your goals, and make sure that they align with the sponsor’s objectives.
- Highlighting Your Unique Selling Points and Value Proposition
Next, you need to highlight your unique selling points and value proposition. This means that you need to explain why you’re a good fit for the sponsor and why they should invest in your team or career. Some potential unique selling points could include your track record of success, your social media following, or your unique approach to the game. Be sure to highlight what makes you stand out from other esports teams or athletes.
- Including Metrics and Data to Support Your Proposal
Finally, it’s important to include metrics and data to support your proposal. This means that you need to provide concrete evidence of your team or career’s success and potential. For example, you might include statistics on your past performance, your social media following, or your engagement rates. You could also include testimonials from other sponsors or partners who have worked with you in the past. Make sure that the data you include is relevant and persuasive.
By following these steps, you can create a sponsorship proposal that will help you secure the funding you need to take your esports team or career to the next level.
Negotiating and Closing the Deal
Negotiating and closing the deal is a crucial step in securing sponsorships for your esports team or career. To ensure a successful negotiation, it is important to communicate effectively with sponsors, negotiate contract terms and conditions, and finalize the sponsorship agreement.
Communicating Effectively with Sponsors
Effective communication is essential in negotiating and closing a sponsorship deal. You should be able to articulate your team’s goals, objectives, and vision in a clear and concise manner. It is also important to listen to the sponsor’s needs and concerns and respond to them in a timely and professional manner.
To communicate effectively with sponsors, you should:
- Prepare a comprehensive sponsorship proposal that outlines your team’s goals, objectives, and vision.
- Be prepared to answer questions and provide additional information about your team and its goals.
- Be respectful and professional in all communications with sponsors.
Negotiating Contract Terms and Conditions
Once you have established effective communication with a potential sponsor, the next step is to negotiate the contract terms and conditions. This is where you will discuss the specifics of the sponsorship deal, including the amount of money, the duration of the deal, and the specific benefits that the sponsor will receive.
To negotiate contract terms and conditions, you should:
- Be prepared to make concessions and compromises.
- Be aware of industry standards and benchmarks for sponsorship deals.
- Understand the sponsor’s goals and objectives and ensure that the deal aligns with them.
Finalizing the Sponsorship Agreement
After negotiating the contract terms and conditions, the final step is to finalize the sponsorship agreement. This involves drafting and signing a formal contract that outlines the terms and conditions of the sponsorship deal.
To finalize the sponsorship agreement, you should:
- Draft a formal contract that includes all of the agreed-upon terms and conditions.
- Review the contract carefully to ensure that it accurately reflects the terms of the deal.
- Obtain legal advice if necessary to ensure that the contract is legally binding and enforceable.
- Sign the contract and exchange it with the sponsor.
By following these steps, you can effectively negotiate and close a sponsorship deal for your esports team or career.
Maintaining and Growing Your Esports Sponsorships
Building Strong Relationships with Sponsors
Maintaining and growing your esports sponsorships requires building strong relationships with your sponsors. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:
Delivering on Your Promises and Commitments
One of the most important aspects of building a strong relationship with your sponsors is delivering on your promises and commitments. This means ensuring that you meet all the obligations that you have agreed upon with your sponsors, such as wearing their logo on your gaming gear or mentioning them in your social media posts.
Meeting your commitments not only helps build trust with your sponsors, but it also demonstrates your professionalism and reliability. It shows that you are serious about your esports career and that you are committed to delivering results.
Providing Regular Updates and Communication
Another key aspect of building strong relationships with your sponsors is providing regular updates and communication. This means keeping your sponsors informed about your progress, achievements, and upcoming events.
Regular communication can help build trust and establish a strong working relationship with your sponsors. It also gives them a sense of ownership and involvement in your esports career, which can motivate them to continue supporting you.
You can use various communication channels to keep your sponsors informed, such as email, social media, or even video calls. Be proactive in reaching out to your sponsors and updating them on your progress.
Engaging with Sponsors on Social Media and Other Platforms
Engaging with your sponsors on social media and other platforms is another effective way to build strong relationships with them. This means sharing their content, interacting with them on social media, and acknowledging their support in your posts.
Social media engagement can help increase your sponsors’ visibility and reach, while also building a strong connection with your audience. It can also help you build a loyal fan base, which can attract more sponsors in the future.
Make sure to respond promptly to your sponsors’ social media posts and comments, and show your appreciation for their support. This can help build a positive image for your sponsors and establish a strong bond with them.
Overall, building strong relationships with your sponsors requires commitment, communication, and engagement. By delivering on your promises, providing regular updates, and engaging with your sponsors on social media and other platforms, you can establish a strong working relationship that can benefit both you and your sponsors.
Exploring Additional Sponsorship Opportunities
One of the most effective ways to grow your esports sponsorships is by exploring additional opportunities beyond financial support. Here are some strategies you can use to do this:
Expanding Your Network and Building New Relationships
Networking is crucial when it comes to securing sponsorships for your esports team or career. You should attend industry events, join online forums, and connect with other professionals in the esports industry. Building relationships with people who share your interests and goals can lead to new sponsorship opportunities.
You can also use social media to connect with potential sponsors. Many brands use social media to promote their products and services, and they may be interested in partnering with an esports team or individual with a large following. You can use social media to showcase your skills, share your achievements, and engage with potential sponsors.
Exploring Additional Sponsorship Opportunities Beyond Financial Support
Esports sponsorships can take many forms beyond financial support. For example, you may be able to secure sponsorships that provide you with equipment, such as gaming computers or gaming peripherals. You may also be able to secure sponsorships that provide you with training or coaching, which can help you improve your skills and performance.
Another type of sponsorship you may be able to secure is in-kind sponsorships. These sponsorships provide you with products or services in exchange for promoting the sponsor’s brand. For example, a gaming peripheral company may provide you with free equipment in exchange for promoting their products on your social media channels.
Leveraging Your Current Sponsorships to Attract New Ones
Finally, you can use your current sponsorships to attract new ones. If you have a strong track record of performance and engagement with your current sponsors, you may be able to use this as leverage to secure new sponsorships. You can also use your current sponsorships as a way to demonstrate your value to potential sponsors.
In summary, exploring additional sponsorship opportunities beyond financial support can help you grow your esports sponsorships. By expanding your network, building new relationships, exploring additional sponsorship opportunities, and leveraging your current sponsorships, you can increase your chances of securing new sponsorships for your esports team or career.
FAQs
1. What is the first step to getting sponsored for esports?
The first step to getting sponsored for esports is to create a strong and professional image for yourself or your team. This includes having a well-designed website, a consistent social media presence, and a clear brand identity. Additionally, it’s important to have a strong track record of performance in the esports scene, as this will make you more attractive to potential sponsors.
2. What kind of sponsorships can I expect to receive in esports?
Esports sponsorships can come in many forms, including financial support, equipment sponsorships, and even opportunities to compete in major tournaments. Some common types of sponsorships for esports teams and players include apparel sponsorships, technology sponsorships, and energy drink sponsorships. It’s important to be clear about what you’re looking for in a sponsorship and to communicate this to potential sponsors.
3. How do I find potential sponsors for my esports team or career?
There are many ways to find potential sponsors for your esports team or career. One effective strategy is to network with other professionals in the esports industry, as they may be able to introduce you to potential sponsors. Additionally, you can attend industry events and conferences, where you can meet with potential sponsors in person. Finally, you can use online platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to connect with potential sponsors and reach out to them directly.
4. What should I include in my sponsorship proposal?
When creating a sponsorship proposal, it’s important to include a clear and concise summary of your team or career, including your accomplishments and any relevant statistics. You should also outline the specific benefits that a sponsor would receive by partnering with you, such as increased brand exposure or access to a large and engaged audience. Additionally, it’s important to include a detailed budget and a clear plan for how the sponsorship funds would be used.
5. How do I negotiate a sponsorship deal?
Negotiating a sponsorship deal can be a complex process, but it’s important to be clear about what you’re looking for and what you’re willing to offer in return. Be sure to research the sponsor and understand their goals and objectives, so you can tailor your proposal to their needs. Additionally, it’s important to be flexible and open to compromise, as this can help you reach a mutually beneficial agreement. Finally, it’s always a good idea to have a lawyer review any contracts or agreements before signing them.