North American Esports Organizations Launch Their Own CS:GO League
Seven North American esports organizations including TSM, Cloud9, Counter Logic Gaming, and Team Liquid are partnering together to create a new Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) league. These organizations have formed the Professional Esports Association (PEA) and will be hosting their inaugural tournament in January 2017, with a prize pool of $1 million split over two seasons. The tournament matches will be streamed twice a week for 10 weeks.
The End of the “Wild West” Days of Esports
PEA marks the end of the “wild west” days of esports according to Cloud9 owner Jack Etienne. He states that teams are now committed to playing for the fans and the future of esports.
An Association of Top Teams Running Their Own League
The PEA league represents something new in esports, with top teams running their own league and sharing profits and decision-making power with the players. PEA commissioner Jason Katz emphasizes the significance of this association.
The Voice of the Players
The PEA league gives players a voice in operations, with player representatives sitting on a rules and grievances committee. This helps in clarifying major decisions within the league.
Player Rights and Revenue Streams for Teams
Players and casters will be entitled to 50% of all league profits, while team owners will take the other equal share. In addition, retirement planning and health insurance will be provided to competitors, making it the first esports league to offer these benefits. The PEA also aims to increase revenue streams for teams and free players from outside requirements to generate revenue for the team.
A Different Kind of Organization
The PEA league is different from other esports organizations like WESA, as the teams have not received any financial incentive to join. In fact, all seven teams have heavily invested in this venture.
The PEA league’s involvement with other CS:GO circuits is uncertain. While negotiations are taking place with ECS, there are currently no talks with ELEAGUE or ESL. However, PEA league members express their dissatisfaction with other tournaments and stress the importance of sharing profits and strategic decisions with the players.
The future of esports is evolving, and it’s time for leagues to prioritize player rewards and involvement in decision-making.