As an esports organisation, having a well-written contract that benefits both parties is the number one item you need in your inventory. Your players are everything to you and your organisation. You need to make sure that your esports contracts are clear, concise and fair. This post will highlight the key considerations in esports organisations need to think about when contract with players.

Key points to consider in esports contracts

Esports organisations need to ensure that that their agreements:

  • are written in clear and concise language;
  • set clear expectations of the players and highlight each parties responsibilities;
  • include duration and termination clauses;
  • deal with content and intellectual property (IP) that players create; and
  • clearly define sponsorship and endorsement obligations.

Clear and concise language

Your agreements must use plain language. Esports organisations need to avoid using complicated jargon and unnecessary legal terms.

Set the right expectations in the esports contract

Esports organisations must clearly outline the players’ responsibilities, performance expectations and competitive expectations. You need to clearly define these so as to leave no room for uncertainty and allow players to understand their role. Similarly, you must include your own obligations to the player as well. Esports contracts will include information about:

  • player remuneration;
  • payment dates; and
  • any extra benefits players receive.

You want to include this to avoid any unnecessary disputes down the line.

Define the duration and termination

You do not want to hold players to indefinite agreements. Esports contracts must include how long the contract will last and what steps players need to renew the agreement at the end of the initial contract term. You should also define how each party and player can terminate the contract. A good esports contract ideally includes what termination rights both the player and the organisation have. Along with termination, your contracts must also include what happens when either party breaches the contract and how to resolve the breach.

Content creation and IP in esports contracts

Players will likely create content and other types of IP for you throughout their contracts. Unlike in other contracts, players may also be content creators and create content for you on their YouTube channels or other content distribution platforms. You need to strike a balance between the content they create for you as their player and the content they create on their own platform. The best way we can approach this is by setting out when a player’s content remains their personal IP and when you would own the IP.

Sponsorships

Your esports contract needs to include information on how players deal with sponsorships. As an organisation, you will likely end up with a variety of sponsorships and endorsement opportunities. Importantly, your players will need to understand what obligations they have towards the sponsor or brand that the organisation has a relationship with. This may include:

  • restrictions on what the player may or may not say on social media; and
  • how the player conducts themselves during tournaments.

Actions you can take next

By engaging with us, you can take your esports contracts to the next level. We draft comprehensive and player-centric esports contracts that protect their interests, foster healthy relationships, and contribute to the sustainable growth of the esports industry. Don’t let legal challenges obstruct your path to success. Here are some actions you can take next:

  • manage relationships with your players by asking us to draft your esports contracts.
  • ensure your contracts fulfill your requirements by asking us to review them.
  • understand the legal implications of your esports contracts by consulting with a specialist.