Esports sponsorships are booming. Global spending on esports sponsorships and advertising has almost tripled in the last seven years, climbing from $340 million in 2017 to around $980 million in 2024. While annual ad spending growth has slowed from the peak seen in 2020, the market is still on track to reach a major milestone: surpassing $1 billion and continuing to expand well into the next decade.
Projected Growth Through 2029
Data from Skinsluck.com shows that esports sponsorships are expected to grow another 20% by 2029, reaching a massive $1.2 billion. Annual growth may have slowed compared to five years ago, but brands are still projected to add roughly $50 million in new spending each year, keeping the momentum steady.
Audience Expansion Driving Sponsorships
The global esports audience has doubled in just five years, growing from 385 million in 2017 to a projected 770 million this year, according to Statista Market Insights. This enormous and engaged fanbase is a major draw for brands and a key factor behind sponsorship growth. Just five years ago, companies spent around $500 million on esports promotions, swelling to nearly $800 million by 2022, and topping $1 billion this year.
Top Markets: United States and China Lead the Way
More than half of esports sponsorship revenue comes from the US and China. China, with over 400 million esports fans, extensive domestic tournaments, and government-backed events, is expected to spend $300 million on sponsorships in 2025, growing to $330 million by 2029. The US will see a similar trajectory, rising from $205 million to $232 million. South Korea, Germany, and Spain round out the top five, with projected spending of $162 million, $110 million, and $49 million, respectively, by the end of the decade.
Sponsorships Outpace Other Revenue Streams
Esports sponsorships alone will generate far more revenue than other industry segments. By 2029, sponsorships and advertising are projected to reach $1.2 billion—six times more than esports streaming ($196 million), 2.5 times more than media rights ($498 million), and nearly four times more than merchandise and ticketing ($354 million). Only esports betting, projected at $3.4 billion, will exceed sponsorship revenue.
As competitive gaming continues to attract millions of fans worldwide, brands are expected to keep investing heavily in esports, cementing sponsorships as a major driver of industry growth for years to come.
For the full story and detailed statistics, visit Skinsluck.com.
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