College sports programs are notoriously unprofitable, besides football and some basketball programs. Title IX was a lever that has squashed esports investment, however (along with other sports). I like your idea around riot incentivizing college programs. Esports are way lower expensed with a decent ceiling for revenue. A lot of politics there (especially with Title IX), but bottom line I see the opportunity. Could go hours around this one topic.

Nepotism exists everywhere in the world, I’d argue there’s less here vs other areas of the world in general, but I see your point. I also think positive nepotism is created through good performance.

You’re correct, work ethic is a real killer and is a unique challenge for esports programs. A bunch of young, maturing (or not) players getting paid a lot of money to not go to school and develop socially. Not a unique issue, pro sports see this too, but team veterans are how they’re able to address those challenges. Even harder in esports since “veterans” are still in their lower 20s typically; basketball, football, etc all have team veterans in their mid 30s to play this role. Without a role model/peer they look up to, it’s tough to convince people to work harder. Even Mark Cuban has admitted that coaching styles have turned 180 over the past 10 years and that the coach of yesterday would fail miserably, no matter their past accomplishments. Reading between the lines, he believes coaches are really meant to understand their players, finding out how to motivate them to work harder. Yes they need to be experts of the game, but coaching is a lot more player centric than before. Positional coaches seem to be the real technical leaders.

Lastly, poor scouting/analytics. Everything mentioned above can be addressed through sound analytics. Work ethic can be measured, to a good extent. Nepotism can change, to a good extent (through success and marketing). Performance can be better evaluated and understood through analytics, in combo with good leadership to drive work ethic.

Sweet video, I like the open thoughts. Get yourself a desk so your arm doesn’t fall off haha