The investors, professionals and media firms that control traditional sports are now trying to take over esports. Hundreds of video game consoles illuminate flat screen televisions in the Allied Esports Arena inside the Luxor Hotel & Casino. Past the Las Vegas stadium’s seating, perched up above the stage is the suite-level owner’s box, where Allied founder Jud Hannigan entertains guests. And there, wrapped behind and alongside the box is a flashing neon-lit tunnel where the players — yes, athletes — high-five VIPs as entrance music ushers them onto the stage. After spending several days at the NBA Summer League, the atmosphere inside the Esports Arena didn’t feel very different. And that isn’t surprising. On the surface, esports appear to be 21st century challengers to the love traditional sports have enjoyed for decades, even centuries. But peel back the layers, and it’s the same investors, professionals and media companies that have bankrolled and broadcast mainstream sports and teams that are now increasingly taking control of esports too. | 
