eSport: Construct specifications and implications for sport management

TLDR

Debates about whether eSport constitutes formal sport stem from differing sport conceptualizations, yet it is increasingly regarded as part of sport management scholarship linked to health, well‑being, consumption, and inclusion outcomes. This article aims to enrich the conceptual debate on eSport, examine its role in sport management, and propose future research directions. The authors conclude that advancing eSport scholarship requires studying its governance, marketing, and management, and developing theoretical frameworks.

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to add to the conceptual discussion on eSport, analyze the role of eSport within sport management, and suggest avenues for future eSport research. The authors suggest that debates surround the degree to which eSport represents formal sport, and disagreements likely stem from conceptualizations of sport and context. Irrespective of one's notion of eSport as formal sport, the authors suggest the topic has a place in sport management scholarship and discourse. Such a position is consistent with the broad view of sport adopted by Sport Management Review, the perspective that eSport represents a form of sportification, and the association among eSport and various outcomes, including physical and psychological health, social well-being, sport consumption outcomes, and diversity and inclusion. Finally, the authors conclude that eSport scholarship can advance through the study of its governance, marketing, and management as well as by theorizing about eSport.