Esports Business Management,

2nd Edition (EPUB)

By David P. Hedlund (ed.), Seth E. Jenny (ed.), Gil Fried (ed.), and Julia Hiltscher

Esports Business Management, Second Edition With HKPropel Access offers a comprehensive examination of the esports industry—an entertainment sector that has grown from a casual hobby to a global phenomenon involving hundreds of millions of daily participants and competitors.

This revised and expanded edition is designed for students and professionals alike, providing an in-depth understanding of the business and management principles underlying esports. Authored by internationally recognized academics and experts and endorsed by the Esports Research Network, the textbook covers critical areas necessary for mastering esports management. Its visually engaging, full-color presentation makes it particularly valuable for undergraduate learners seeking a strong foundation in esports business practices.

Building upon the first edition, this updated text begins by exploring the esports ecosystem, moving through its various competitive levels—from youth leagues to elite professional play. It examines the cultural and social dynamics that shape esports globally and outlines the governance structures that guide the industry. Readers are introduced to key business functions such as marketing, consumer engagement, sponsorship, event management, venue operations, communication strategies, streaming, finance, legal concerns, and team leadership.

The book highlights the expansive world of stakeholders—players, fans, teams, leagues, sponsors, and publishers—and emphasizes parallels between esports and traditional sports in terms of organizational structure and business operations. At the same time, it distinguishes the unique features of esports, including intellectual property management, rule creation, and diverse revenue models that define its success.

New content explores emerging topics such as the potential integration of esports into the Olympic movement, the role of the International Olympic Committee, and global collaborations among esports regulatory organizations.

Special Zoning sidebars feature commentary from industry specialists who share real-world insights, making the book applicable for both newcomers and experienced professionals. Online resources further support learning by providing 28 scholarly articles from the Journal of Electronic Gaming and Esports (JEGE), along with discussion prompts, exercises, video links, case studies, and assignments that encourage practical engagement with the material.

Although esports share organizational similarities with traditional sports, the industry’s distinctive environment demands different operational approaches for continued growth. Esports Business Management, Second Edition stands as the essential reference for understanding this fast-evolving and multifaceted field.