Forbes has recently released its list of most valuable Esports companies, with Cloud9 atop the list valued at $310 million. It is estimated that Esports revenues will grow 38% this year, to $906 million, and reach $1.65 billion by 2021.
Sponsorship, advertising, media rights, game publishing fees and merchandise and tickets are bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Mainstream America is buying in too, as media rights are the fastest growing revenue stream and are projected to be worth more than $320 million by 2021. Iconic sports names from the New York Yankees and Houston Rockets to Robert Kraft and Magic Johnson have bought in. It is reported that in 2017, there were 74 deals, the majority from angel and venture capital investors, worth $1.52 billion involving Esports companies. The projected numbers are based on company owners, bankers and industry experts.
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This article was written with contributions from Tim Piscatelli.
