Esports

ESG Law represents the preeminent Western esports teams, ranging from newer, venture and sports-team backed organizations to some of the most iconic brands in esports. ESG was the world's first esports dedicated law firm, and is still considered the go-to firm in the space.

ESG proudly represents 70% of the Tier-1 organizations in North America. Our clients have won titles in virtually every major esports game, including League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Fortnite, PUBG, Dota 2, Overwatch, Super Smash Bros, Call of Duty, Hearthstone, and Starcraft. The ownership groups of our esports team clients include owners from the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLS, MLB, and English Premier League. Our work includes the following:

• Negotiating and shaping the charter, governance, revenue sharing, and operational documents for several of the highest tier esports leagues in the world.

• Handling the industry's largest sponsorship, endorsement, and activation deals (including the largest landmark facility naming rights partnership).

• Creating the player contract template that has become the gold standard for elite Western esports rosters in every esports title.

• Serving as outside general counsel, advising on issues including live streaming, corporate formation, corporates governance, mergers & acquisitions, fundraising, employment law, sponsorships, giveaways and sweepstakes laws, privacy law, IP licensing, media distribution, and merchandising.

• Managing and resolving disputes involving player poaching, league rules compliance, employment issues, and more.

• Filing visa petitions for esports players, coaches, and other behind-the-scenes employees. ESG worked on the petition for the very first Green Card ever issued to an esports player.

• Supporting apparel and merchandising by handling design, manufacturing, and distribution deals, as well as promotional campaigns utilizing outside influencers.