Esports are not a conventional fit with a traditional model of college life. However, this has not stopped them from becoming extraordinarily popular, particularly among independent colleges. In the broader culture, esports have an entire ecosystem supporting them. International events can draw crowds in the hundreds of millions, and professional teams are sprouting up across the country to pay players salaries on top of the prize money available in tournaments. Some colleges conduct esports in athletic departments alongside traditional sports, while other colleges house programs in student activities or operate them in conjunction with an academic program. This brief aims to provide college leaders with more information about the concept of esports and the benefits and challenges it presents. While esports could prove to be a significant draw for students--particularly male students--the complicated structure of competitions and leagues may or may not be a good fit on a given campus. Nonetheless, the rise of esports is a cultural phenomenon that may provide colleges with opportunities to innovate and connect with students as well as with potential sponsors and employers.