.svg){kind=small}
Introduction: Sports Franchises in 2024
Sports franchises in 2024 continue to dominate the global entertainment and business landscape, blending athletic excellence with commercial innovation. These franchises, like PC bangs in South Korea ranging from traditional sports teams to emerging esports organizations, have evolved into multi-billion-dollar enterprises, leveraging advancements in technology and global fan engagement.
Traditional sports franchises like the New York Yankees and Manchester United have long set the standard for global recognition, combining on-field success with strategic branding and merchandising. In 2024, the rise of esports franchises such as those in the Overwatch League or League of Legends Championship Series further underscores the shift toward digital-first fan experiences.
The future of sports franchises in 2024 lies in their ability to adapt to changing fan expectations, explore new revenue streams, and integrate cutting-edge technologies like virtual reality (VR) and blockchain. With increasing globalization, sports franchises are no longer bound by geography, making them influential players in the worldwide entertainment market.
In this article, we’ll explore the most successful sports franchises in 2024, analyze what drives their success, and uncover emerging trends shaping the industry for years to come. Whether you’re a fan or a business enthusiast, this guide will provide valuable insights into the dynamic world of sports franchises.
Elite Gaming Center
Initial contract period: –
Initial membership fee: –
Royalties: –
Franchise support: –
Number of locations: 11
Headquarters: Spain
Elite Gaming Center is one of the leaders in the industry of gaming lounges in Spain. At the moment, Elite Gaming has 11 locations in different cities across the country, including Barcelona, Grenade, Seville, and Valence. This franchise focuses on competitive gaming, which means that players get access to the best-quality equipment, so they can train and play professionally. Gamers can also enjoy special gaming sessions and participate in competitions right in Elite Gaming centers. The franchise uses SENET software to automate day-to-day processes at the venues – it helps to keep track of business metrics in real time and shapes a better customer experience for gamers.
Arena Gaming
Initial contract period: –
Initial membership fee: –
Royalties: –
Franchise support: –
Number of locations: 8
Headquarters: Spain
The next franchise in our list is offered by Arena Gaming. It is a well-known network of esports centers in Spain, which already counts eight centers in different cities of the country, including Granada and Madrid. The focus of this franchise is on top-quality computers from ASUS and CORSAIR. Arena Gaming also offers custom scripts that ensure easier maintenance of the equipment. Arena Gaming is proud of its connection to famous brands and suppliers, therefore their franchisees can get the best deals. With this franchise, you get continuous support, yet there is a high level of autonomy when it comes to the aspects of gaming content and interior design.
Meltdown
Initial contract period: –
Initial membership fee: EUR 9,300
Royalties: EUR 850 per month
Franchise support: suitable bar equipment, tutorials, esports-focused CRM, mobile app, graphic design of the site, and more
Number of locations: 22
Headquarters: France
The first gaming center of this French network was created in 2012. At the moment of writing, the franchise affiliates almost two dozen venues in France and abroad. Meltdown bars offer an exciting atmosphere with a cocktail menu that includes drinks inspired by popular games. It doesn’t matter when people choose to visit Meltdown bar, they can always watch previews of games, tournaments, esports matches, and other gaming content. Franchise favors its franchisees, so business owners always get all the tools and support they need.
PLAYlive Nation/Simplicity Esports
Initial contract period: 10 years
Initial membership fee: $47,500
Royalties: 6%
Franchise support: 98-hour training program, 44-hour on-the-job training, continuous technical support.
Number of locations: 81
Headquarters: USA
PLAYlive Nation has merged with a popular esports organization, Simplicity esports, meaning you can be confident in the quality of the services if you select their franchise. You can choose from several types of franchises, such as opening a single store, a multi-store, a conversion store, or a co-brand store. You can also discuss a custom option when opening your own PLAYlive establishment.
Today, PLAYlive Nation affiliates dozens of locations all over the United States and remains one of the biggest franchisors in the country. Among the types of revenue streams that are available to PLAYlive Nation franchisees: membership fees for customers, gaming tournaments, birthdays, parties, merch sales, and others.
Contender Esports
Initial contract period: 10 years
Initial membership fee: $39,000
Royalties: 6%
Franchise support: six-week intensive business academy, 3-day operational training program, six-week consulting program. Assets, brand messaging, graphics, training, tools and support to promote the gaming center.
Number of locations: 26
Headquarters: USA
Сontender esports is a well-known internet cafe franchise that offers both development and individual unit franchises to investors. Even though the brand emerged not too long ago, it has already got branches in the United States, Canada, and Saudi Arabia!
Anybody who’s buying Сontender esports franchise gets a whole package that includes marketing materials, purchase of equipment, and hardware setup. Opening a gaming center under this franchise requires a minimum of $199,400, but the price can be higher depending on chosen services. The company often organizes gaming tournaments within their network to strengthen the community.
Gameworks
Initial contract period: –
Initial membership fee: –
Royalties: –
Franchise support: –
Number of locations: 7
Headquarters: USA
GameWorks is a network of entertainment and gaming centers in the United States. At GameWorks, gamers enjoy more than a hundred esports titles, a collection of arcade games, while also winning prizes. The network offers entertainment for people of all ages and welcomes everybody to enjoy games regardless of their level. Another benefit for GameWorks customers is the superb American cuisine offered to visitors of each location.
Esports Arena
Initial contract period: –
Initial membership fee: –
Royalties: –
Franchise support: –
Number of locations: 19
Headquarters: USA
Esports Arena has been around for a while now – the first venue under this brand opened in 2015. Following the success of their first location, the company opened several others across the United States, particularly in Walmart stores. Today, there are 19 esports Arena venues operating, with the Las Vegas Luxor Hotel location being the most pompous.
Esports Arena organizes various tournaments online in addition to those that can be attended straight at their brick-and-mortar venues every week. Esports Arena is definitely a reliable option for an aspiring franchisee, especially because it comes with a community of dedicated players that choose Esport Arena over any other gaming center.
Localhost/Nerd Street
Initial contract period: –
Initial membership fee: –
Royalties: –
Franchise support: –
Number of locations: 10
Headquarters: USA
Nerd Street Gamers is an esports arena franchise that currently has 10 affiliated stores and partner locations in the United States. The aim of the company is to provide gamers with the latest and the coolest equipment at their training centers. All Nerd Street Gamers can expect to install hardware of the highest quality. Nerd Street Gamers host a variety of different gaming events and tournaments for gaming enthusiasts, which also increases their appeal as a franchise.
E-Blue Gaming
Initial contract period: –
Initial membership fee: –
Royalties: –
Franchise support: design service, equipment, operation, training, business and marketing support
Number of locations: 1,000+
Countries: USA, China, Hong Kong
A franchise solution from E-Blue Gaming comes with anything that you may need for a successful operation of your own gaming center. The advantage is that there is zero franchise fee and franchisees get operation, marketing, design, and equipment support.
E-Blue Gaming has more than 20 years of experience in the industry, and they’ve opened more than 1,000 E-Blue centers in different parts of the world. Franchisees have an opportunity to choose from several earning business models. The minimum investment for those who want to open an E-Blue location would be equal to $100,000.
Game Stop
Initial contract period: –
Initial membership fee: $25,000
Royalties: –
Franchise support: staff training, technical and management support for franchisees
Number of locations: 11
Countries: USA
The company started its journey creating and selling gaming merchandise but then recently pivoted and opened gaming arenas in 11 stores. The company uses modern equipment and gaming software to make running a business an easier experience. GameStop provides gamers with modern periphery and popular games, and it’s not surprising that so many players return to GameStop to continue playing. As for the franchise cost, the minimum investment is $25,000 and the franchise fee is also $25,000.
Belong Gaming
Initial contract period: –
Initial membership fee: –
Royalties: –
Franchise support: –
Number of locations: 22
Countries: United Kingdom
Another franchise option that needs to be discussed is offered by Belong Gaming. The company was created in 2016 and already has a few locations operating in the United States and the United Kingdom. According to the company, they plan to increase the number of arenas in the US up to 500 in the next several years, so they definitely have a course on expansion. Frequent events and tournaments organized by Belong Gaming attract gaming enthusiasts from all walks of life. The company is focused on providing the best experience for their visitors.
Game
Initial contract period: –
Initial membership fee: –
Royalties: –
Franchise support: –
Number of locations: 240 (not all of them have gaming zone)
Countries: United Kingdom
Not only Game offers the latest and exciting games, but they also provide arenas where gamers can play against each other. There are 240 stores opened in the United Kingdom and some of them have special gaming areas where gamers can have fun. Such spaces offer powerful gaming computers, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and a range of other popular consoles. There are also VR opportunities for gamers to explore, which is an appealing bonus for customers.
TNC
Initial contract period: 5 years
Initial membership fee: no fee
Royalties: no royalties
Franchise support: procurement program, research and development, training for the staff, opening assistance, operations manual, and more
Number of locations: 140
Countries: Philippines
TNC Cyber Café is one of the leading and fastest-growing gaming chains in the Philippines. The chain provides state-of-the-art equipment and well-designed facilities for those who appreciate esports. The history of TNC started back in 2007, and they got global brand recognition over the years. Those who choose this franchise won’t be left alone in their endeavors, as the company offers proper training for business owners and everything else they might need.
Pacific Cybercafe
Initial contract period: –
Initial membership fee: –
Royalties: –
Franchise support: –
Number of locations: 13
Countries: Philippines
The Philippines has plenty of gaming and internet cafes, as the demand for these services is growing. Pacific Cybercafe satisfies the need of gamers the chain of 13 venues located across the country. At these cafes, gamers get comfortable seats, modern computers, great periphery, and a great range of games at their disposal. Those who are looking to develop their own esports business can get a franchise and thus open their own gaming location in the Philippines.
ROG
Initial contract period: 4 years
Initial membership fee: PHP 280,000
Royalties: 10%
Franchise support:
Number of locations: 13
Country: Philippines
ROG has been a part of the gaming industry for more than a decade and it has become a go-to place for gamers in the Philippines. The company has grown over the years and now has 13 exclusive branches in Manila. There is a heavy focus on the innovative approach, but ROG stays true to its policy of being an affordable chain where anyone can play games and use the Internet. The company has an extensive Elite Member community that gets access to rewards and additional content.
Mineski Infinity
Initial contract period: 5 years
Initial membership fee: PHP 600,000
Royalties: 10%
Franchise support: pre-opening training, promotion assistance, customer service support, interior construction and design, opening guidance, and more.
Number of locations: 39
Country: Philippines
If we talk about the gaming opportunities in Southeast Asia, it is impossible not to mention Mineski Infinity. It is a network of premium cybercafes that are perfect for both casual gamers and professionals who are looking for a training location. When it comes to franchising, support of Mineski Infinity is extensive. You can expect to get a high level of training for employees and all the guidance you need to succeed.
CyberCore Gaming
Initial contract period: –
Initial membership fee: –
Royalties: –
Franchise support: advice on license registration, decorations, design, choosing components for the store, etc.
Number of locations: 621
Country: Vietnam
The history of CyberCore Gaming begins in 2013. Over the years the organization managed to gain a great reputation. Referred to as ‘Eagle in the Gaming Industry,’ this large network already has 621 locations in Vietnam. Their venues are decorated with a bright and modern design – customers can certainly feel the atmosphere of digital gaming. As for franchising, CyberCore offers numerous opportunities and helps business owners along the way.
Ways Station
Initial contract period: –
Initial membership fee: –
Royalties: –
Franchise support: –
Number of locations: 19
Country: Vietnam
Vietnam has a lot of gaming centers, and Ways Station is one of the most prominent players on the market. Ways Station provides high-quality of computers, so it’s possible to play even the most demanding games. As for the comfort of stay, visitors of the network are served drinks and food. This Asian brand also is famous for its affordable prices for customers and its promotion offers on a weekly and monthly basis.
Battlenet
Initial contract period: –
Initial membership fee: EUR 5000
Royalties: fixed monthly fee
Franchise support: 24-house technical support, replacement of equipment, Internet café management program, and more
Number of locations: 59
Country: Greece
Battlenet is a growing gaming chain from Greece that currently includes 59 brand stores worldwide. One of the great things about this franchise is that the company offers 3D entertainment experiences in addition to standard gaming services. Visitors get access to consoles, PCs, TVs, as well as billiards, ping pong, foosball, and others. When you choose Battlenet as a franchisor, they take care of interior design and equipment.
INSPOT
Initial contract period: –
Initial membership fee: –
Royalties: –
Franchise support: 24/7 support, custom software, tournament organization, continuous education of personnel.
Number of locations: 85
Country: Greece
INSPOT is a pioneer esports organization in Greece, as it boasts 22 years of operation in the industry. The company often collaborates with famous gaming companies and esports teams, which only increases its credibility. All the INSPOT locations offer PC and console gaming on high-end hardware, organizes tournaments and provides board games as well. INSPOT gaming centers organize events every day in more than 85 affiliated locations in Cyprus and in Greece.
The Web
Initial contract period: –
Initial membership fee: no entry fee
Royalties: –
Franchise support: consulting services, accounting, legal procedures, technical support, provision of specialized software
Number of locations: 17
Country: Greece
The Web is another Greek franchise of gaming lounges. There are plenty of gaming events taking place at The Web locations for various popular titles. This network sells franchises to entrepreneurs and provides technical and management support. They carefully choose their franchisee and, according to The Web, they view their franchise proposal as a business development tool rather than a sales offer.
Bits and Bytes
Initial contract period: –
Initial membership fee: no entry fee
Royalties: EUR 10/PC per month
Franchise support: –
Number of locations: 17
Country: Greece
Another chain of gaming centers in Greece. It is one of the most rapidly developing companies in its niche, providing both online gaming and Internet services. The company is focused on developing esports in Greece and already has 17 locations for gamers to attend. Those who are into gaming can also participate in National Championships that are organized by The Bits and Bytes annually.
Gnet
Initial contract period: 10 years
Initial membership fee: EUR 5,000
Royalties: EUR 100 per month
Franchise support: administration management, integrated support, legal protection, education of employees, marketing, and communication services.
Number of locations: 90+
Country: Greece
Gnet is a popular chain of gaming centers in Greece. Gnet stands out with its state-of-the-art equipment, fast and stable Internet connection, and ideal atmosphere for gaming. There are 12 franchise stores and more than 50 powered by Gnet stores are opened in Cyprus and in Greece. One of the benefits of joining their franchise is that the company provides extensive support to their franchisees.
Conect Rio
Initial contract period: –
Initial membership fee: –
Royalties: –
Franchise support: –
Number of locations: 11
Country: Brazil
The concept of Conect RIO franchise is quite simple: they provide access to the Internet and additional services in compact spaces, like in shopping centers and malls. Visitors of Conect RIO can use the Internet for entertainment purposes or scan, copy, print any kinds of documents. There are several active locations in Rio de Janeiro with franchise available across the entire country.
H2O Esports/Go!Gaming
Initial contract period: –
Initial membership fee: –
Royalties: –
Franchise support: –
Number of locations: 100+ organizations/5 gaming locations
Country: Netherlands
Netherlands can also boast some great gaming centers, including those managed by H2O Esports/Go!Gaming network. Go!Gaming came about as a result of the collaboration between Pathé Theatres BV and H20 Esports Campus Amsterdam. There are currently five gaming locations in the cities of the Netherlands, including Rotterdam, Groningen, Purmerend, Utrecht, and Maastricht. The network offers console and PC gaming on high-quality equipment, as well as SIM racing stations.
How Much Does an Esports Arena Franchise Cost?
People that are new to the world of gaming investment wonder — how much does an esports arena franchise cost? This is quite a complex question, as the cost depends on a wide range of factors, like the cost of rent, the number of computers at the venue, location, and more. The average minimum investment if you want to join a successful franchise is around $50,000-$200,000 for a start.
It is important to note that the initial investment doesn’t cover all expenditures needed to open a gaming venue. During the first months of operation a new business may require more expenses to raise awareness and create a loyal following.
On the bright side, aspiring business owners should consider the time of pay back and different revenue streams that might eventually mitigate high initial spendings. SENET, for example, provides an opportunity to earn commission from ad placements, software distribution, or partner program for franchisors. None of these require additional computing power or extra investment to start, but all of them accumulate a certain amount of revenue that will balance out the spendings\income ratio.
Numerous Franchises to Everyone’s Taste
When looking for an esports franchise to invest in, it can be confusing which one will work for you. It is important to consider several alternatives, look up initial costs, and compare their offers. All options mentioned in this article are offered by reliable companies, but it is your vision and how much you are willing to spend that will determine which franchise to join. Regardless of the final choice, we all have to keep in mind our mission – to create safe spaces where gamers would want to spend long hours playing their favorite games.
