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Feb 20, 2024

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Are Esports sustainable in College Athletics Reggie Mencer October 8, 2023 SMGT 506
Abstract This research paper explores the burgeoning phenomenon of Esports and its potential integration as an official sport within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). As Esports continues its meteoric rise in popularity and profitability, questions have arisen about its recognition and inclusion in the NCAA's framework. The paper investigates the implications of such integration, including the impact on student-athletes, the challenges involved, and the evolving landscape of collegiate sports. With a focus on the recent changes in NCAA regulations, particularly concerning Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, this study delves into the opportunities and complexities surrounding Esports' quest for recognition within the NCAA. Through an analysis of the current state of Esports, NCAA policies, and the experiences of Esports athletes, this research sheds light on the potential transformation of collegiate athletics and the empowerment of Esports participants in the modern era.
Introduction The world of sports is in a constant state of evolution, with new forms of competition and entertainment emerging to captivate audiences and athletes alike. One such phenomenon that has taken the sporting world by storm is Esports, a category of competitive video gaming that has grown exponentially in popularity and profitability. Esports, once considered a niche subculture, has now become a global industry with professional players, lucrative sponsorships, and a dedicated fan base. With its meteoric rise, questions have arisen about whether Esports should be recognized as a sanctioned sport in institutions like the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). This research paper gains even more traction in light of recent changes to NCAA policies regarding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights for student-athletes. This paper delves into the intriguing intersection of Esports, NCAA regulations, and the potential for Esports to join the ranks of traditional collegiate sports. It explores the implications of NIL rights for Esports players, the challenges and opportunities of such a transition, and the broader impact on the landscape of college athletics. In this era of rapid technological advancement and shifting paradigms, the integration of Esports into the NCAA raises essential questions about the future of collegiate sports and the empowerment of student-athletes. Virtual Reality and Esports Virtual Reality (VR) and Esports are two transformative elements reshaping the landscape of sports in the contemporary digital age. VR has emerged as a cutting-edge technology, offering immersive experiences that redefine how individuals engage with sports content. These experiences encompass mixed, augmented, and immersive realities, enhancing fan engagement and enabling novel ways to consume sports (Miah, Fenton, & Chadwick, 2020). Esports, on the other hand, represent the convergences of competitive gaming and organized
sports, fueling a global phenomenon. Esports experiences are characterized by their virtual nature, where professional gamers compete in various video game titles, attracting a massive and dedicated following. While both VR and Esports have gained significant traction, their incorporation into traditional sports programs, particularly within the NCAA, has been met with challenges and resistance. The incorporation of Virtual Reality (VR) and Esports into the realm of college sports presents a dynamic landscape with both advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, these technologies can greatly enhance the fan experience, offering immersive and interactive ways for supporters to engage with collegiate sports events. VR can transport fans to the heart of the action, even when physically distant, fostering a stronger sense of connection to their favorite teams and athletes. Esports, with its rapidly growing viewership, can attract a younger demographic to college sports, potentially expanding the fan base. Moreover, the integration of VR and Esports could open up new revenue streams for NCAA programs, from virtual ticket sales to sponsorships in the digital realm. However, alongside these advantages, challenges and disadvantages emerge when seeking to integrate VR and Esports into college sports. Traditionalists may resist these innovations, viewing them as divergent from the core values of physical athleticism and competition. Concerns related to athlete well-being, particularly in Esports, where sedentary gaming is prevalent, raise questions about the potential health risks. Additionally, the regulatory and logistical aspects of implementing VR and Esports into NCAA sports programs, such as compliance with Title IX and maintaining competitive balance, demand careful consideration. The study by Miah, Fenton, and Chadwick sheds light on these complexities, underlining the
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