ABSTRACT
This study assessed perspectives of NCAA D-II and D-III Athletics Directors (ADs) regarding the possible implementation of competitive e-Sports on college campuses. It examines if ADs view e-Sports as a legitimate sport in parallel with others that are traditionally offered by athletic departments, and their perspective regarding where on college campuses e-Sports should be housed. Results demonstrated that ADs view e-Sports differently than other sport programs (F = 13.439; p = .001), and this was key in determining where they thought e-Sports programs should be administered (F = 6.696; p = .013). However, some expressed a willingness to consider implementing e-Sports due to the opportunity it could present (F = 2.209; p = .021). These results suggest that an apparent conflict exists between ADs’ perceptions of e-Sports and of its potential as a growth opportunity. However, if colleges decide to implement e-Sports as an athletic program, consideration should be given to governance concerns, budgetary concerns, and the health and wellness of participants.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Additional information
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Notes on contributors
Raymond J. Cotrufo
Raymond J. Cotrufo is an Associate Professor of Sport Management at Southern Connecticut State University.
James F. MacGregor
James F. MacGregor is a Professor and Chair of the Recreation, Tourism, & Sport Management Department at Southern Connecticut State University.
Kevin T. McGinniss
Kevin T. McGinniss is an Assistant Professor of Sport Management at Southern Connecticut State University.