The esportification of sports: The role of esports in the digitalization of sports

Tobias M. Scholz

Chapter 32 in Research Handbook on Sport in Europe, 2026, pp 348-360 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: The digital transformation of traditional sports has evolved beyond mere technological adoption, with esports emerging as a catalyst for fundamental change in how sports organizations engage digitally-inherent audiences. This chapter introduces ‘esportification’ – the integration of esports-native practices into traditional sports (Scholz, 2019) – and contrasts it with conventional digitalization through case studies like the Kings League (Porzio, 2025), Formula 1 (Malinen, 2024), and the NBA (Rogers et al., 2022). Unlike traditional digitalization, which emphasizes technological implementation, esportification redefines competition structures, community engagement, and revenue models through platform-based ecosystems and participatory spectator cultures. Drawing on esports and sports management literature, we analyse how these principles enable organizations to create authentic connections with younger, digitally-savvy audiences while building sustainable digital ecosystems. The chapter concludes with implications for sports entertainment's future, emphasizing the balance between innovation and tradition in an increasingly digital world.

Keywords: Esports; Sports digitalization; Esportification; Fan engagement; Platform ecosystems; Digitally-inherent communities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035338382
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