As esports continues its meteoric rise, school leaders face a pivotal moment: Will your school embrace this cultural and educational shift or be left behind? With global revenues projected to exceed $4.3 billion and more than 600 million fans worldwide, esports is no longer a fringe activity. For principals, the real question is how to strategically integrate esports into your school community to boost engagement, foster inclusion, and support academic goals.
What Is Esports, Exactly?
Esports — short for electronic sports — refer to organized, competitive video gaming, played in individual or team-based formats. These competitions range from local school tournaments to global championships, from amateur to professional gamers, featuring popular video games. Esports hone strategic thinking, teamwork, and communication, similar to traditional sports.
Why Esports Deserves a Place in Your School
Widespread Appeal Among Students
Esports is one of the fastest-growing youth interests globally. About 85% of teens play video games, and roughly 20 state athletic associations now support high school esports competitions. From casual gamers to competitive players, students are eager for schools to acknowledge their digital passions.
A Tool for Equity and Engagement
Esports break down barriers. Students who may feel excluded from traditional sports or clubs — whether due to physical, social, or economic factors — find a home in esports. Programs like the one at Cherry Creek High School in Colorado have reached hundreds of students who previously felt disconnected from school life.
High Value, Low Overhead
Compared to most extracurricular programs, esports is budget-friendly. Start-up costs are lower than those of many sports, and schools often recover their investment through sponsorships, enrollment, and community support. Some districts have even reported up to a 9:1 return on investment.
Educational Benefits
Esports fosters key 21st-century skills: strategic thinking, collaboration, digital literacy, and communication. It can also fuel interdisciplinary collaboration with academic departments like computer science, broadcast journalism, and marketing, energizing the broader curriculum.
Key Benefits for School Leaders
Support for Title IX and Inclusion
With intentional recruitment, esports teams can be diverse and gender-inclusive. Principals looking to strengthen equity in extracurricular programming can view esports as a strategic opportunity.
Boosting Recruitment and Retention
A 2024 study of small colleges with esports programs found a median increase of 10 students in year one alone who enrolled partly due to esports. At the K-12 level, esports encourages participation, builds school spirit, and strengthens the connection between students and campus culture.
Strengthening School-Community Connections
Recognizing esports alongside traditional sports in school announcements, newsletters, or pep rallies shows families and the community that your school is forward-thinking, inclusive, and attuned to student interests.
How to Build an Esports Program
Start with a Solid Foundation
- Gauge interest: Survey students and identify popular games (e.g., Rocket League, League of Legends, Overwatch).
- Get stakeholder buy-in: Engage staff, parents, and district leadership by showcasing esports’ educational and career pathways.
- Budget thoughtfully: Expect to spend $8,000-$50,000 for equipment, space, and software for a 10-15 player team.
Establish a Supportive Culture
- Set expectations: Mirror GPA or behavior standards already in place for other extracurriculars.
- Recruit coaches and mentors: Tap into tech-savvy teachers or community members.
- Promote student leadership: Empower students to take roles like team captains or analysts.
Develop the Right Environment
- Dedicated space: A full gaming arena isn’t necessary — but a repurposed lab or library space can go a long way.
- Plan for growth: Programs grow fast. Cherry Creek scaled to 150 players in just a few years. Plan for expansion early.
Addressing Common Challenges
Overcoming Skepticism
Some stakeholders may question esports’ legitimacy as a sport. Emphasize its competitive nature, mental rigor and alignment with academic goals. Highlight success stories, such as scholarships offered to esports athletes and their inclusion in national competitions.
Managing Rapid Expansion
Esports programs can quickly outgrow initial staffing. Solutions include:
- Hiring additional advisors or volunteers
- Creating structured team schedules
- Partnering with platforms like PlayVS to manage competition logistics
Looking Ahead: Future-Proofing Your Program
Align with Higher Ed and Careers
Many colleges now offer esports scholarships, and the industry includes career paths in IT, marketing, broadcasting, coaching, and game development. By aligning with local colleges, your school can create a clear pipeline for students.
Embrace Innovation
Esports is constantly evolving. Stay current by:
- Attending industry webinars and conferences
- Connecting with other districts
- Seeking regular feedback from students
The Principal’s Opportunity
Principals: don’t miss out on this opportunity to lead an initiative that connects with students, aligns with educational goals, and prepares learners for the future. By investing thoughtfully in an esports program, you signal to your community that your school is ready to engage, adapt, and thrive in the digital age.
