You’re absolutely right about top teams over-inflating the value of talent, however I do believe that complete transparency might be a better alternative. I remember you talking about player representation a lot in the past and remember vague talk of a players’ association.

The more I’ve seen these issues discussed on places like Reddit I’ve been thinking about the NHL model for salaries and player representation, and how it could possibly address some of the issues that we are seeing. In the NHL of course, there is strict salary capping and regulation for the team, the information is made public; and while the players ‘work for’ the teams they are collectively represented by the NHLPA.

To me, it seems obvious that young esports talent will struggle greatly while trying to negotiate with wealthy, established teams. Basically, if you’re new to the scene, your first team gets to completely determine your value which will set the tone for your future negotiations with other teams.

Not many industries expect people ranging in age from 17–25 to be able to effectively negotiate their own contracts, of course there will be some that are able to. But the majority are left disadvantaged at the bargaining table. I think this effects new talent doubly, because the subtext of the negotiation will be that they are doing you a favor and making you a career, because right now you’re a nobody.

What I don’t see are the disadvantages to an association that could give all LCS players the same level of good representation in negotiations. This organisation could also find a better way to streamline the amateur talent scouting than Challenger Series and ensure that these players enter fair contracts, note not equal, but fair.

Let me put it bluntly: all professional athletes (NHL, NBA, MLB, NFL, etc.) are rich, thus there is not likely any great gaps in living standards between these players; at least none that they can’t close themselves. The fact that we allow such wide gaps in living standards/financial status between LCS players/teams is absurd. To say that it could not effect performance is simply being willfully ignorant in my opinion.

Your thoughts? I’m really enjoying your recent commentaries, by the way.