David Beckham Could Make £35M in Guild-type Endorsement Deals by 2030

The world of eSports is evolving at a breakneck pace. Just a few years ago, competitive gaming was a niche interest enjoyed by a small group of dedicated players. But today, eSports has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry with immense global reach.

This extraordinary growth has drawn the attention of big brands that are scrambling to get a piece of the action. That has seen them rope in legendary athletes like David Beckham, who in 2020 signed an endorsement deal with Guild, an English eSports firm. The five-year agreement would see Beckham pocket at least £15 Million.

Two years later, the parties have renegotiated the deal, but Beckham is still on course to make big money from it. And based on the initial agreement, BanklessTimes.com projects that the star athlete could double his earnings from such deals. Using a linear prediction formula, the site suggests that he could earn upwards of £34.5 million by 2030.

The Perfect eSports Ambassador

BanklessTimes’ CEO Jonathan Merry has been following the developments in the space. He has discussed Beckham’s potential earnings and impact on eSports in the next decade. He argues that Beckham is one of the most marketable names in sports, and his appeal would be enormous in the eSports world.

Merry insists that Beckham can help take the industry further forward. He says,

David Beckham has been a staple in the sports world for over two decades. He’s got the name recognition and the charisma to help take this industry to the next level. These two features make him the perfect ambassador for eSports.

BanklessTimes CEO, Jonathan Merry

Beckham’s move into eSports could herald a new era for the industry as more and more high-profile celebrities get on board. His backing could go a long way in publicizing the sector and attracting new investors.

For Beckham, endorsing eSports projects could be a smart move. Not only would he be able to make a lot of money, but he would also be associating himself with a rapidly growing industry that is likely to see continued growth in the years ahead.

Other High Profile Athletes Investing in eSports

Available data estimates the global eSports market will surpass the $1.44 billion mark in 2022. And it’s only getting bigger. With the rise of streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming, more people are tuning in to watch professional gamers compete. And now, some of the biggest names in traditional sports are getting in on the action.

Early last year, NBA star Kevin Durant and his business partner Rich Kleiman announced their foray into the eSports scene. They said they’d joined Andbox, a New York-based eSports firm, through their investment arm Thirty-Five Ventures. Durant and Kleiman said they’d join Andbox as creative partners and investors.

And he’s not the only one. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is also an investor, as is retired MLB slugger Alex Rodriguez. Even Michael Jordan has a piece of the pie, having invested in aXiomatic Gaming, the parent company of Team Liquid.

What are the Implications of Celebrity Backing eSports?

So why are these sports stars getting involved in eSports? The answer is simple: money. Esports is a growing industry, and it’s ripe for investment. The global eSports market is predicted to be worth almost $5.48 billion by 2029, and that number will only continue to grow.

Esports presents a lucrative opportunity for athletes looking to extend their careers past their playing days. They can invest in teams or players, act as brand ambassadors, or even launch their own eSports ventures.

The influx of celebrity athletes into the eSports world signifies how big this industry is. With its booming popularity and ever-growing profits, eSports is here to stay. So whether you’re a traditional sports or eSports fan, you can expect to see more and more crossover between the two industries in the years to come.