You’re about to negotiate an eSports contract. What are the most important things to consider?

2 Obligations and Expectations

Another important thing to consider when negotiating an eSports contract is your obligations and expectations as a player. Your contract should clearly outline what you're expected to do and how you're expected to behave as a member of the organization. This could include things like attending practices, tournaments, events, media appearances, sponsor obligations, social media activities, and team meetings. You should also be aware of what kind of performance standards and goals you're expected to meet, and what kind of consequences or penalties you could face if you fail to do so. You should make sure that your obligations and expectations are realistic, reasonable, and aligned with your career aspirations and personal values.

3 Rights and Protections

A third important thing to consider when negotiating an eSports contract is your rights and protections as a player. Your contract should clearly state what kind of rights and protections you have as a member of the organization, such as intellectual property rights, image rights, privacy rights, dispute resolution mechanisms, and grievance procedures. You should also be aware of what kind of obligations and restrictions the organization has towards you, such as providing adequate support, resources, and feedback, respecting your personal and professional boundaries, and honoring your contract terms. You should make sure that your rights and protections are sufficient, secure, and enforceable.

4 Termination Clauses

A fourth important thing to consider when negotiating an eSports contract is the termination clauses. Your contract should clearly state under what circumstances and conditions your contract can be terminated, either by you or by the organization. This could include things like breach of contract, poor performance, misconduct, mutual agreement, or expiration. You should also be aware of what kind of consequences or benefits you could receive or lose upon termination, such as severance pay, buyout options, non-compete clauses, or free agency rights. You should make sure that the termination clauses are fair, transparent, and consistent.

6 Negotiation Skills

A sixth and final important thing to consider when negotiating an eSports contract is your negotiation skills. Negotiating an eSports contract can be a challenging and stressful process, especially if you're dealing with a large and powerful organization, or if you're competing with other players for the same opportunity. You should always approach the negotiation process with confidence, professionalism, and respect, as well as with a clear and realistic idea of what you want and what you're willing to compromise on. You should also be prepared to ask questions, provide evidence, and handle objections, as well as to listen, understand, and empathize with the other party's perspective and interests. You should also be ready to walk away if the deal is not satisfactory or beneficial for you.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?