A 10-pod Esport Pod deployment from Sports Media, Inc. costs $300,000, which works out to about $30,000 per pod. That price includes installation, training and sponsorship support. Optional extras are priced separately: VR at $1,499, a Thrustmaster T248 wheel set at $599.99 and a TSS handbrake at $285.
Key takeaways
- Deployments come in sets of 10, 20 or 30 pods: $300,000, $600,000 or $900,000.
- Installation, training and sponsorship support are included in the deployment price.
- Pods run on a standard 110V outlet and roll through standard doors, which keeps facilities work low.
- Ask every vendor the same questions so quotes can be compared fairly.
- Sponsorship can offset part of the cost, but plan the budget without assuming it.
How much does an Esport Pod cost?
About $30,000 per pod, sold in deployments rather than singly. The three sizes look like this:
| Deployment | Price | Approx. per pod |
|---|---|---|
| 10 pods | $300,000 | $30,000 |
| 20 pods | $600,000 | $30,000 |
| 30 pods | $900,000 | $30,000 |
Each pod is a complete station: Alienware PC, 38-inch curved Alienware monitor, Razer Enki chair, Razer Kraken V3 headset, Razer Kiyo camera, built-in Wi-Fi and a Thrustmaster T248 RS GT wheel and pedals or flight controls. The full list is on the products page.
What does a 10-pod budget include?
Hardware, installation, staff training and sponsorship support from Sports Media, Inc. are inside the $300,000. That matters because the cost of a gaming setup is rarely just the machines.
Optional add-ons sit on top. If you want VR on every pod, that's $1,499 each, so $14,990 across ten. A wheel set at $599.99 is for programs adding extra racing hardware. Decide which of these you actually need before the purchase order is written.
What costs sit outside the pod price?
Plan for these line items, which vary by institution:
- Staff time: a coach or advisor to run the program.
- Internet service: pods have a modem and built-in Wi-Fi, but your connection to the wider world is your own.
- Game licenses and subscriptions the program chooses to use.
- Travel and event fees for competitions.
- Insurance or asset tagging required by your district or college.
We don't put numbers on those because they depend on your situation. Ask your business office what they'd normally add for equipment of this value.
What questions should you ask any vendor?
Use the same list with every vendor, including us. Quotes are only comparable when the answers are written down.
- What exactly is included: hardware, installation, training, software, support?
- What is the support model, and who answers when something fails?
- How is hardware replaced or repaired, and how long does that take?
- What power and network requirements does each station have?
- Can the equipment move between rooms, or is it fixed?
- Are all stations identical, or do configurations vary?
- What are the terms for add-ons and future expansion?
- Is there any sponsorship or revenue support, and what are the conditions?
Be skeptical of a quote that lists a low price and a long list of "optional" essentials. Ask for a total cost for the program you described.
Can sponsorship offset the budget?
It can help, but don't build a plan that depends on it. The program offers sponsors digital, NIL, IP, pod usage and broadcast/OTT rights, and sponsors may fund or support deployments in some cases. Treat any sponsor money as a bonus until it's signed. Read more on the sponsorship page.
How should you phase the spending?
Many buyers split the work into three phases: approval and procurement, installation and training, then the first season of operation. Treat the first season as part of the budget, because a program with great hardware and no coach will stall.
Put a review date on the calendar, perhaps after the first full term, and decide in advance what success looks like. Participation, class use and event attendance are easier to defend than vague enthusiasm.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy fewer than 10 pods?
Esport Pods are sold in deployments of 10, 20 or 30. If you need a smaller number or a phased plan, contact our team to discuss options rather than assuming a single pod can be ordered.
Does the price include installation and training?
Yes. Installation, training and sponsorship support from Sports Media, Inc. are included in the deployment price. Optional items such as VR, the T248 wheel set and the TSS handbrake are priced separately, so list the ones you want when requesting a quote.
Do I need to renovate a room for the pods?
Typically not. Each pod runs on a standard 110V outlet, rolls on wheels, and fits through standard doors and into elevators. You should still check outlet capacity and circuit load for the room with your facilities team before delivery.
How should I pay for a deployment?
That depends on your institution. Schools often combine CTE, technology or athletics funds, and some pursue grants or sponsors. Your business office and grants staff will know which sources fit. We can provide documentation to support those requests.
When you're ready for numbers specific to your campus, book a demo and bring your questions list.
