Daily Dot: “North American esports organization owners aiming to create ‘The NBA of Esports’ are launching their own Counter-Strike: Global Offensive league.”

“Seven organizations—TSM, Cloud9, Counter Logic Gaming, Team Liquid, Immortals, NRG Esports, and Complexity—announced the launch of the the Professional Esports Association (PEA) today. Its inaugural tournament, featuring CS:GO, will begin in January 2017, with $1 million on the line split over two seasons. Matches will be streamed twice per week over the course of the 10-week seasons.”

ESPN: ” Marketing itself as an ‘Owner-Operated league aiming to be the NBA of eSports,’ PEA is taking a different approach with its league from the usual model, where the league organizer is independent of players and teams. ‘The PEA represents something new in eSports — an association of top teams running their own league and sharing the profits and the decision-making with the players,’ said PEA Commissioner Jason Katz.”

And where will the money go?

Yahoo reports: “Most interestingly, the PEA will share 50% of its profits with players and owners, marking a distinct shift away from the way many esports leagues are run. ‘The PEA will also provide a suite of financial benefits and services to the players, including retirement and investment planning, health insurance and more,’ says the organization. What’s more, casters will be receiving equal pay to players.”

“The PEA will also consist of a Rules Committee, with player representatives given the power to provide input on everything from tournament formats to rules to prizing distributions. They’ll also be providing consultants to players to secure their financial futures.”