Esports & Sports
ESG Law was established in 2017 as the first law firm to focus exclusively on esports. Although we’ve since expanded our expertise and practice beyond esports, we remain at the forefront and are still considered as the go-to law firm in the industry. ESG serves as outside general counsel to many of the tier-1 teams in North America and beyond. Our clients have won titles in virtually every major esports game, including League of Legends, CS2, Fortnite, Dota 2, Overwatch, Super Smash Bros, Call of Duty, Hearthstone, Teamfight Tactics, Pokémon VGC, Starcraft, and more.
Our work encompasses practically everything imaginable in the esports industry, and we’ve also leveraged our expertise in emerging competitive landscapes to the traditional sports industry. Examples of our work include:
Negotiating and shaping the charter, governance, revenue sharing, and operational documents for several of the highest tier esports leagues in the world, including the League of The Americas (LTA) and League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC) for League of Legends, the VALORANT Champions Tour, the Overwatch League, and the Call of Duty League.
Assisting game publishers, new esports leagues, and tournament operators with all manner of publisher-side esports-related needs, such as creating competition rules and developing league and tournament operation documents.
Drafting and negotiating industry-leading commercial transactions, including some of the biggest sponsorship deals and merchandise collaborations, and the largest landmark facility naming rights partnership.
Developing from scratch the esports player contract template that has become the industry standard for elite Western esports roster in every esports title—and using it to help our clients sign some of the most well-known players in the world.
Managing and resolving disputes involving player poaching, league rules, employment issues, and more.
Immigration services for esports players and staff, including helping to get the first-ever EB-1A visa (Green Card) in the industry’s history for an active player.
Representing traditional sports teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (Los Angeles Rams, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, and Arsenal), Minnesota Vikings, and Philadelphia 76ers, in their acquisition of esports organizations, player rosters, and permanent slots in top esports leagues.
Providing advice and legal representation to esports and traditional sports organizations in connection with the loaning of esports players to traditional sports organizations for games such as EA Sports NHL and EA Sports FC.
Representing some of the top ranked players in Major League Pickleball and the Professional Pickleball Association.
Representing the Bay Golf Club, a founding team in TGL (TMRW Golf League), in connection with its sponsorship, vendor, and employment agreements, and advising the club on league rules and terms of participation.