Tech & Sourcing @ Morgan Lewis

Please join us on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm ET, as Morgan Lewis partner Doneld G. Shelkey and associates Charlotte Roxon and Jesse R. Taylor explain the metaverse and current projects and initiatives, including blockchain-related transactions, that are laying the foundation for this new virtual space.

Last week, we started to take a look at key issues sponsors should be mindful of when entering into a sponsorship agreement, particularly for sponsorship of a team, event, venue, individual influencer or player, or similar arrangements.

With many sports, music, and other events returning to in-person attendance after a prolonged hiatus for pandemic-related reasons, and others continuing to be conducted in front of huge virtual audiences, we think it’s a good time to run through some of the most common issues we encounter in sponsorship agreements.

A Nevada senator introduced Senate Bill 165 (SB 165) on March 2 to the state legislature, which aims to form the Nevada Esports Commission to govern and regulate esports in the state within the Department of Business and Industry. This type of esports commission would be a first in the United States. The proposed bill defines “esports” as “a contest of multiple players using video games.” The purpose of the bill is to form a relationship with the growing industry of esports and to promote and protect the integrity of esports competition. Participation and viewership of esports competitions are rising, which also creates a substantial opportunity for digital advertising.

Partners Don Shelkey and Baird Fogel and associate Eric Pennesi will examine the effects that developments in 2020 have had on the growing esports industry.

California has become the first state to allow collegiate student athletes to benefit financially from the use of their name and likeness and to enter into licensing contracts by recently passing Senate Bill 206, a bill known nationally as the “Fair Pay to Play Act.”

In 2018, the esports industry experienced remarkable growth. Poised to become the next multibillion-dollar industry, the esports industry has become a part of mainstream sports. For example, the League of Legends World Championships attracted almost 100 million unique viewers for the finals.