In 2018, the National Federation of State High School Associations recognized esports as an official sport. In 2020, U.S. colleges and universities awarded nearly $16 million in esports scholarships, prompting K12 schools to start their own esports teams.
In this blog, Best Buy Education offers steps to starting an esports league on your campus and the benefits it brings to schools and students. Procurement professionals are integral to implementing an esports program. OMNIA Partners offers competitively solicited cooperative contracts that schools can trust to effectively establish an esports program.
Participation breaks down barriers and brings students together over a common interest. It fosters comradery and teamwork. And, with millions of dollars in available scholarships, it motivates students to perform academically and opens career doors in a billion-dollar industry.
1. Reach out to students and staff
Find out how many students are interested in participating and what games and tournaments they’re interested in–this will determine the equipment you’ll need. Learn which staff are interested in supporting your team. Depending on the size of your team, some roles may overlap. At the very least, you need a coach/facilitator and tech expert to get your team up and running.
2. Consider where you'll house your esports lab
Do you have room in your computer lab? Will you need to remodel existing space, or build a new space? Plan your space to accommodate team growth.
3. Research funding opportunities
We recommend budgeting and managing your team under your athletics department to ensure ongoing funding and program success. You can fund your team through grants, your community and your fanbase.
4. Build your esports lab
Choose a tech partner/supplier to help you build your gaming infrastructure and equip your gaming arena.
5. Create an esports team brand
Creating a brand for your esports team will attract attention and grow your audience. Ideally, this brand is relatable, instantly recognizable and separate from your athletics team brand.
Once your team has established a regular practice routine and feels ready to compete,
it’s time to move up to the next level.
The vendor you choose is instrumental to the success and future of your esports team. It is recommended that you choose a proven esports partner that will collaborate with you to accommodate your budget and support your program. OMNIA Partners is proud to partner with Best Buy Education to provide education technology products, solutions, and services on a cooperative contract that meets all your esports needs. By leveraging the purchasing power of OMNIA Partners, you have exclusive access to nationally priced products and services that allow you to do more with your budget and resources for less of the costs.
Best Buy Education works with you every step of the way to provide:
Click to Learn How Esports Can Transform Your School!
Best Buy Business provides end to end solutions for business and educational purposes serving businesses, state and local government agencies and educational organizations of all sizes. Through the purchasing power of OMNIA Partners, participating agencies can leverage a cooperative contract with Best Buy Business to save time and money on their IT products and solutions. To view the entire OMNIA Partners contract portfolio, click here. Not a participant? Become one today!