The popularity of eSports is impressive, according to Henry Young, a sports reporter for CNN, the global audience grew from 204 to 292 million from 2014 to 2016, and global revenue grew from $194 million to $463 million in the same period. Due to its popularity, some have taken notice of eSports. According to Nick Schwartz of FOX Sports, "a number of sports executives, business owners and athletes - like Rick Fox and Mark Cuban - have invested money in professional teams and eSports platforms". In the same article, Schwartz also reports that Shaquille O' Neal is among those mentioned, who has invested into eSports. According to Schwartz, Shaq invested into NRG, a team for League of Legends, showing the faith that he has for the industry, understanding that it is popular and potentially valuable.
Moreover, individuals such as Shaq aren't the only people investing into eSports, as sports network ESPN has also taken notice. According to Fortune, ESPN editor-in-chief, Chad Miller, explains why ESPN decided to begin coverage of eSports. Miller explains that he recognizes the avid fanbase for eSports. and, like Shaq, understands the popularity of eSports. He realizes the similarities of eSports to traditional sports, along with its popularity, where it would make sense to start covering eSports. In eSports, ESPN recognized the potential: storytelling opportunities and a equally intensive competition compared to traditional sports.
ESPN and Shaquille O'Neal both recognize the potential in the popularity of eSports, and they invested their money into the industry because they both, along with others, have faith that eSports will thrive as an industry.
Moreover, individuals such as Shaq aren't the only people investing into eSports, as sports network ESPN has also taken notice. According to Fortune, ESPN editor-in-chief, Chad Miller, explains why ESPN decided to begin coverage of eSports. Miller explains that he recognizes the avid fanbase for eSports. and, like Shaq, understands the popularity of eSports. He realizes the similarities of eSports to traditional sports, along with its popularity, where it would make sense to start covering eSports. In eSports, ESPN recognized the potential: storytelling opportunities and a equally intensive competition compared to traditional sports.
ESPN and Shaquille O'Neal both recognize the potential in the popularity of eSports, and they invested their money into the industry because they both, along with others, have faith that eSports will thrive as an industry.