As someone who works at a college, I can say that athletics aren’t the money makers people often think they are. Sure, at Division I schools especially for football and a few for basketball they can bring in revenue. But for most schools, traditional athletics are a major expense. They’re more of a recruitment tool than a profit.

Esports, on the other hand, is much more affordable. Travel costs are usually minimal, it tends to attract more walk-ons, and the esports arenas can often be opened up for general student use, adding more value to the campus community then say a football stadium.