What are the steps to negotiating a winning Esports player contract?

1 Know your worth

Before you enter any negotiation, you need to have a clear idea of what you're worth as a player and what you want from a contract. This means doing some research on the market, the industry, and the specific team or organization you're targeting. You should also consider your personal factors, such as your experience, performance, achievements, fan base, and future potential. Having a realistic and confident sense of your worth will help you set your expectations and goals, and avoid settling for less than you deserve.

2 Understand the terms

Esports player contracts can vary widely in terms of their length, structure, and content. Some common terms you should be familiar with include salary, signing bonus, incentives, revenue share, buyout clause, termination clause, exclusivity clause, and non-compete clause. You should also be aware of the legal implications and obligations of each term, and how they affect your rights and responsibilities as a player. If you're not sure about something, don't hesitate to ask for clarification or seek professional advice.

3 Negotiate with respect

Negotiating a winning Esports player contract doesn't mean being aggressive or demanding. It means being respectful, professional, and assertive. You should always approach the negotiation with a positive and cooperative attitude, and show that you're interested in finding a mutually beneficial solution. You should also be prepared to listen, ask questions, and understand the other party's perspective and needs. Don't take things personally or get emotional, and don't burn any bridges. Remember, you're not only negotiating a contract, but also a relationship.

4 Be flexible and creative

While you should have a clear idea of what you want from a contract, you should also be flexible and creative in finding ways to reach an agreement. You may not get everything you ask for, but you can still negotiate for something that works for both sides. For example, you can trade off some salary for more incentives, or accept a shorter contract for a higher signing bonus. You can also look for other benefits that are not directly related to money, such as training, equipment, exposure, or mentorship.

5 Review and finalize

Once you've reached a verbal agreement, you should review and finalize the contract in writing. Make sure that everything is clear, accurate, and consistent with what you discussed. Don't sign anything until you've read and understood every word, and checked for any errors or discrepancies. If you have any doubts or concerns, don't be afraid to raise them or ask for changes. And if you're happy with the contract, don't forget to celebrate and thank the other party for their time and effort.

6 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?