Orthopedic surgeons, long seen as fiercely independent, are rapidly catching up with other specialist physicians in selling control of their practices to private equity investment firms. While some doctors seem eager for a huge payoff, others are warily watching what happens when private equity firms take charge of orthopedic practices.

Poker and chess are both considered professional sports. Competitive gaming is now on that list. Esports is, in fact, booming. Market watchers predict...