BREAKING: Coach Wolf Reveals ‘Delayed Payments’ in Esports
In a series of posts on X, former caster-analyst and now TNC head coach Caisam Nopueto, aka Wolf, revealed he has not yet been paid for international casting gigs from months ago.
“As of now, I have not been paid Games of the Future (February 2024) and MSC (July 2024) talent fees,” wrote Wolf. “To be honest, late payment is not new to me and is part of the reason why I decided to pause from shoutcasting. I hope this makes a difference at least in the MLBB world.”
Former co-caster JC Rezabek, aka Naisou jumped in on the issue.
“A reality in esports is delayed payments,” wrote Naisou. “We work hard, but sometimes the money doesn’t come on time, even with a contract. It is not always Moonton’s fault; other organizations handle payments. I’m still waiting on payment from a February event. This is why casters often juggle multiple gigs.
ALL-STAR reached out to Naisou for further comments on whether delayed payments is a norm in esports.
“Yes, I guess it’s the norm from what I’ve experienced. Some places have been better after a lot of talents usually end up talking about it. For example, the MPL, they’re really good about it. I mean, things weren’t always like that but definitely, things have been better at least on that side. As for other tournaments and events, it depends on who is organizing it,” said Naisou.
But how long do talents usually have to wait for their payments?
“It depends on the contract, but usually by default, most people wait 30 days for the payment to come through upon completion of the event, but it can be 30 to 60 days, but there have been instances where myself and other talents have been delayed past the 30 to 60 days even if it’s on the contract. That’s happened at the local and international level,” he added.
Meanwhile, Blacklist International’s Coach Bon Chan voiced his support for the casters, while tagging Wolf.
“Caisam Nopueto, may your voice help other casters too,” wrote Bon Chan.
ALL-STAR also reached out to Bon Chan for comments on the issue.
“Ang masasabi ko lang ay regardless kung sino yung nag organize ng mga events and tournament na hindi siya binayaran, diba dapat tulungan si Wolf nung company kung saan sya naka sign ng contract, if kay Moonton man or kung sinong org man na may handle sa mga casters na makipagcoordinate dun sa unpaid events.” said Bon Chan.
(“All I can say is regardless who organized the events or tournaments in which he was unpaid, the organization or company in which Wolf signed a contract with, whether it’s Moonton or another organization, should help him coordinate with the organizers of the unpaid events.”)
As of this writing, ALL-STAR is awaiting further comments from esports casters and insiders about the issue of late payments in esports.
