Top Profitable Esports Franchises in 2024

Explore the leading esports franchises of 2023 with our comprehensive list, ranking them from the most affordable options to those in high market demand. Join us in unveiling these exceptional esports franchises offering diverse opportunities.

Contender Esports

Founded in: 2018
Franchising since: 2018
Franchise Units: 10
Initial investment range: $199,400 - $325,180
Initial Franchise Fee: $39,000
Royalty: 6%

Contender eSports offers a unique franchise opportunity in the rapidly growing eSports industry. As a premium gaming center brand, Contender eSports provides a social and competitive space where gamers can come together, play, and compete. With eSports gaining tremendous global traction, Contender eSports taps into this booming market, creating a space that caters to gamers, tournament organizers, and the gaming community. The franchise model is designed to provide comprehensive support, ensuring franchisees can build a thriving business in an exciting and dynamic industry.

Unique Benefits for Franchisees:

• Booming Industry: eSports is one of the fastest-growing industries globally, with millions of fans and competitors, offering a lucrative market for franchisees.
• Comprehensive Gaming Environment: Provides a fully equipped gaming center with top-tier gaming equipment, high-speed internet, and a comfortable environment, catering to both casual gamers and competitive players.
• Diverse Revenue Streams: Franchisees can benefit from multiple income channels, including gaming memberships, hourly play, tournaments, events, and eSports training programs.
• Comprehensive Support: Offers extensive training, marketing assistance, and ongoing operational support to franchisees, ensuring a smooth startup and continued success.
• Community Engagement: Creates a local hub for gamers and fans, encouraging strong customer loyalty through community events, tournaments, and social gatherings.

Ideal Candidate for Contender eSports Franchise:The ideal candidate for a Contender eSports franchise is someone who is passionate about gaming and eSports and is eager to create a social and competitive space for the gaming community. Key qualities include:

• Tech-Savvy: An interest or background in gaming or technology, with the ability to understand gaming culture and eSports trends.
• Operational Efficiency: Strong management and organizational skills to ensure smooth business operations.
• Customer Service Focus: A dedication to providing an exceptional gaming experience and fostering a welcoming environment.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Motivated to grow and expand the business within the fast-paced eSports industry.
• Financial Preparedness: Adequate capital to invest in the franchise and support its growth, with a willingness to adapt to the evolving gaming landscape.

Contender eSports offers a compelling franchise opportunity with its comprehensive gaming environment, diverse revenue streams, and strong support system. This makes it an ideal choice for entrepreneurs looking to invest in the exciting and fast-growing world of eSports.

Valhallan Esports

Founded in: 2022
Franchising since: 2022
Franchise Units: 15
Initial investment range: $142,160 - $305,400
Initial Franchise Fee: $30,000
Royalty: 6%

Valhallan eSports offers a cutting-edge franchise opportunity in the booming eSports industry, focusing on providing professional training, development, and competition for aspiring gamers. Valhallan stands out by offering structured programs that help young gamers enhance their skills while also fostering teamwork, leadership, and strategic thinking. The franchise model is designed to provide comprehensive support, ensuring franchisees can successfully build and manage eSports training centers that cater to gamers of all skill levels.

Unique Benefits for Franchisees:

• Professional Training Programs: Valhallan offers structured training programs for gamers, teaching not only gaming skills but also essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
• Booming eSports Market: As the eSports industry continues to grow globally, Valhallan provides an entry point into a fast-growing and exciting market with vast revenue potential.
• Multiple Revenue Streams: Franchisees can capitalize on various income sources, including training sessions, tournaments, memberships, and events.
• Comprehensive Support: Offers extensive training, marketing assistance, and ongoing operational support to ensure the success of each franchise location.
• Community Engagement: Valhallan centers become hubs for young gamers to connect, practice, and compete in an inclusive environment, fostering strong customer loyalty.

Ideal Candidate for Valhallan eSports Franchise:The ideal candidate for a Valhallan franchise is someone passionate about gaming and eSports and dedicated to providing a supportive, competitive environment for young players. Key qualities include:

• Passion for eSports and Gaming: A deep understanding of the gaming culture and the eSports industry, paired with enthusiasm for helping gamers develop their skills.
• Operational Efficiency: Strong management and organizational skills to ensure smooth business operations and successful training programs.
• Customer Service Focus: A commitment to providing an exceptional training experience and fostering a supportive community.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Motivated to grow and expand the business within the fast-paced and dynamic eSports industry.
• Financial Preparedness: Adequate capital to invest in the franchise and support its growth, coupled with a readiness to adapt to the evolving needs of the gaming community.

Valhallan eSports offers a compelling franchise opportunity with its professional training programs, diverse revenue streams, and comprehensive support. This makes it an ideal choice for entrepreneurs looking to invest in the rapidly growing and exciting world of eSports.

Nerd Street Gamers

Founded in: 2018
Franchising since: 2018
Franchise Units: 10
Initial investment range: $195,980 - $406,030
Initial Franchise Fee: $39,000
Royalty: 6%

Nerd Street offers an exciting potential franchise opportunity in the eSports and gaming community, known for its focus on creating premium gaming centers and hosting large-scale eSports events. Nerd Street's Localhost gaming centers serve as a hub for casual gamers, competitive players, and community events, making it a unique and high-demand business in the fast-growing eSports market. The franchise model could provide extensive support, ensuring franchisees can deliver top-tier gaming experiences while benefiting from multiple revenue streams.

Unique Benefits for Franchisees:

• Diverse Revenue Streams: Franchisees could generate income through event hosting, hourly gaming sessions, eSports tournaments, corporate events, and memberships, creating a dynamic and scalable business model.
• Comprehensive Gaming Facilities: Equipped with top-tier gaming hardware and infrastructure, Nerd Street's Localhost centers offer professional-grade experiences for both casual gamers and serious competitors.
• Community and Event Hosting: Localhost gaming centers serve as local hubs for gaming communities, fostering engagement through social gatherings, competitions, and community events.
• eSports Industry Growth: Leverage the fast-growing eSports industry, which is projected to reach billions in global revenue, providing a substantial market for franchisees.
• Comprehensive Support: If offered, franchisees could receive training, marketing resources, and operational support to ensure the successful launch and continued operation of each location.

Ideal Candidate for Nerd Street Franchise:The ideal candidate for a Nerd Street franchise would be someone passionate about the gaming industry and eager to create a community-driven space for players of all levels. Key qualities include:

• Understanding of eSports and Gaming: Familiarity with gaming culture, events, and the competitive landscape, paired with enthusiasm for hosting events and building gaming communities.
• Operational Efficiency: Strong management and organizational skills to ensure the smooth operation of gaming events, tournaments, and everyday business activities.
• Customer Service Focus: A commitment to creating an enjoyable and supportive environment for both casual and competitive gamers.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Motivated to grow and expand the business within the dynamic and fast-growing eSports industry.
• Financial Preparedness: Adequate capital to invest in the franchise and support its growth, including the ability to scale as demand increases.

Nerd Street offers a compelling potential franchise opportunity with its versatile business model, community focus, and alignment with the fast-growing eSports industry. This makes it an ideal choice for entrepreneurs looking to invest in an exciting and impactful eSports and gaming franchise.

Profitability Of E-sports Franchises

The profitability of owning an esports franchise can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, such as the size of the market, the level of competition, and the overall management of the franchise. It's important to note that the esports industry is relatively new and rapidly evolving, so it can be challenging to predict how profitable owning an esports franchise will be in the future.

According to some estimates, the global esports market is expected to reach $1.5 billion by 2023 and is projected to reach $2.2 billion by 2025. This growth is driven by factors such as increasing interest in esports, the expansion of esports into mainstream media, and the growth of esports-based betting and gambling.

However, specific financial performance data for esports franchises is not publicly available, as it's a private matter for each franchise. The best way to get a clear understanding of the profitability of an esports franchise is to speak directly with the franchisor and current franchisees, and conduct independent research. The franchisor should be able to provide more detailed information on the financial performance of their franchises through their Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

There are several trends currently shaping the esports franchise category:

• ‍Trend 1: Increased investment from traditional sports teams and organizations: Many traditional sports teams and organizations are investing in esports franchises, recognizing the potential for growth and profitability in the industry. This trend is expected to continue as more teams and organizations look to enter the market.‍
• Trend 2: Expansion of franchise models: Esports franchises are expanding their business models to include not only competitive teams but also media, content creation, and events. This allows them to diversify their revenue streams and increase their profitability.‍
• Trend 3: Growth of mobile gaming: Mobile gaming is becoming increasingly popular, with many esports franchises now focusing on developing mobile games and creating mobile esports leagues.‍
• Trend 4: Growing interest in non-endemic brands: Non-endemic brands (brands that are not directly related to esports) are starting to invest in esports, recognizing the potential for reaching a young and engaged audience. This trend is expected to continue as more brands look to enter the market.‍
• Trend 5: Increasing focus on engagement and fan experience: Esports franchises are focusing on creating engaging and immersive fan experiences, such as virtual and augmented reality, to attract and retain fans.‍
• Trend 6: Growth of esports-based betting and gambling: Esports-based betting and gambling are becoming increasingly popular, with many esports franchises now offering these services to their fans.

It's essential to research the tutoring industry and your specific market before starting a business, which you can do with the help of Franchise Clues.

Initial Investment And Opening Costs For Esports Franchises

The initial investment and opening costs for esports franchises can vary widely depending on the specific franchise and the type of business. Factors that may affect the cost include the size and location of the franchise, the services offered, and the equipment and materials required.

Here are some examples of initial investment and opening costs for different types of esports franchises:

• Professional teams: The cost of starting a professional esports team can be quite high, as it may require investments in players, coaching, and other support staff, as well as travel and training expenses. The cost can range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars.
• Gaming venues: The cost of opening a gaming venue can vary widely depending on the size and location of the venue, as well as the type of games offered. The cost can range from $50,000 to $500,000 or more.
• Streaming and content production: The cost of starting a streaming or content production company can vary depending on the type of content and the equipment required. The cost can range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more.
• Event production and management: The cost of starting an event production and management company can vary depending on the size and scope of the events, as well as the equipment and staff required. The cost can range from $20,000 to $500,000 or more.
• Gaming equipment and accessories: The cost of starting a gaming equipment and accessories company can vary depending on the type of products and the equipment required for production. The cost can range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more.
• Training and coaching services: The cost of starting a training and coaching service can vary depending on the type of services offered and the staff required. The cost can range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more.

It's important to keep in mind that these are just estimates and the actual costs may vary based on the specific franchise and location. We recommend booking a call with Franchise Clues to ask about a franchising disclosure document (FDD) which contains detailed information about the costs associated with opening and operating a franchise, as well as other important information such as the company's financial performance and litigation history.

Benefits Of Opening A Esports franchise

There are several benefits to opening an esports franchise, including:

• Growing Industry: The esports industry is growing rapidly, with global revenues projected to reach $1.5 billion by 2023. This provides a significant opportunity for businesses to capitalize on the growth of the industry.
• Established fan base: Esports has a large and dedicated fan base, which can provide a steady stream of customers and revenue for businesses.
• Online and Offline opportunities: Esports can be enjoyed both online and offline, this allows for a variety of business models and revenue streams such as streaming, live events, content production, and merchandise sales.
• Low barriers to entry: Starting an esports business can be relatively low-cost compared to traditional sports, making it accessible to a wider range of entrepreneurs.
• Variety of Business Models: There are many different types of esports businesses, which allows entrepreneurs to choose a business model that best suits their skills, interests, and resources.
• Demographic: The esports audience is relatively young and tech-savvy, which can be an attractive market for businesses that are targeting this demographic.
• Potential for scalability: Many esports businesses have the potential to scale quickly, which can provide significant growth opportunities for entrepreneurs.

What Points To Pay Attention To When Opening An Esports Franchise

When opening an esports franchise, there are several key points to pay attention to:

• Franchise fees: Understand the costs associated with the franchise, such as the initial franchise fee and ongoing royalties. Be sure to fully understand how these fees are calculated and what they cover.
• Market research: Carefully research the esports market, including the current trends, growth projections, and the competition. Understand the target audience and what they are looking for in an esports experience.
• Business Model: Carefully consider the type of esports business you want to open, such as a professional team, gaming venue, streaming platform, or event production company.
• Location: Carefully consider the location of your esports business, as it can have a significant impact on your success. Look for a location that is easily accessible and visible to potential customers.
• Staffing: Consider the staffing needs of the esports business, including the number of employees required, their qualifications, and the cost of salaries and benefits.
• Equipment and Technology: Understand the equipment and technology requirements of the esports business, including what will be provided by the franchisor and what will need to be purchased separately.
• Legal and Compliance: Understand the legal and compliance requirements of the esports business, such as licenses and permits, and ensure that you are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Marketing and Advertising: Understand the marketing and advertising support provided by the franchisor.
• Scalability: Consider the scalability of the business, and how it can be expanded or adapted as the esports industry evolves.
• Gaming industry knowledge: Having knowledge of the gaming industry and the competitive landscape of esports is crucial to be able to make informed decisions and to understand the market.
• Sponsorship and partnerships: Consider the potential for sponsorship and partnerships opportunities and how they can benefit the business.
• Online and Offline Presence: Consider the importance of having an online and offline presence for the business, from streaming to live events.
• Community engagement: Building and engaging a community is important for the success of an esports business, whether it's through social media, tournaments or meetups.
• Branding and Identity: Understand the importance of branding and identity for the business, and how it can help to attract customers and stand out in a crowded market.
• Post-opening support: Understand the post-opening support provided by the franchisor, including training, marketing and other ongoing support, and make sure to take full advantage of these resources.