How to Get Sponsorship for Your Esports Team or Player
Sponsorship plays a crucial role in the revenue generation of the esports industry, just like in traditional sports. In fact, sponsorship accounts for approximately 45% of the total revenue stream of the esports industry, according to Newzoo.
If you’re looking to secure sponsorship for your esports team or as an individual player, it’s important to understand the value you can provide to sponsors. A sponsor is someone who supports an event, activity, person, or organization financially or through the provision of products or services. In return, sponsors receive value in the form of advertising or promotion of their products or services to your fans or audience.
Types of Esports Sponsorship
There are three common types of sponsorship for esports:
- Affiliate Code Sponsorships: This type of sponsorship involves promoting a brand’s affiliate coupon code to your followers, who will receive a discount on certain products or services. You earn a commission for each sale made using your code.
- Hybrid Sponsorships: These sponsorships go beyond affiliate codes and provide additional benefits to the esports team or player, such as discounted products and reimbursements for expenses related to brand promotion.
- Pure Sponsorships: Reserved for elite esports teams or influencers who have a large audience and influence, pure sponsorships involve receiving monthly benefits from sponsors in exchange for promoting their business.
Each type of sponsorship offers its own advantages and considerations, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs and audience.
Steps for Getting Sponsorship for Your Esports Team or Player
- Make your name in the gaming community: Build your online presence by participating in tournaments, both online and offline, and growing your social media platforms. Offer fresh and unique content that appeals to your target audience.
- Grow your network and connections: While skill is important, focus on building relationships and connections within the gaming community. Your personality and charisma can attract sponsors more than your gaming abilities.
- Track your performance and growth: Use platforms like Edge to track and demonstrate your in-game performance, competition history, and social media presence. This helps sponsors assess your abilities and potential as a partner.
- Stay in contact with gaming and esports associations: Stay involved with esports associations that act as intermediaries between players and sponsors. Attend association events and demonstrate your skills and interests in the industry.
- Engage in self-marketing and maintain positive behavior: Leverage social media platforms like Twitch, Facebook, and YouTube strategically to engage with your audience and maintain a positive image. Brands look for influencers who can positively impact their audience and drive sales.
- Contact gaming sponsors: Reach out to local businesses or consider hiring an agency to help you connect with potential sponsors. Local sponsorships can be win-win situations, while agencies have extensive networks within the industry.
- Improve and grow your gaming community: Continuously work on improving your skills and rectifying past mistakes. Be respectful to other gaming communities and focus on growing your audience. Sponsors will be more likely to approach you when they see your growth and impact.
Remember, sponsorship for esports requires a combination of skill, personality, and audience reach. By following these steps and consistently working on your gaming career, you increase your chances of attracting sponsors who value your contributions to the gaming community.