Comcast Corp.’s NBC Sports on Wednesday said it would televise an esports tournament later this summer, the latest broadcaster turning to competitive videogaming to grow viewership at a time when many consumers are cutting the cord. (WSJ)
The $100,000 2v2 Rocket League tournament will kick off in July through the online competitive gaming platform FACEIT, and move onto regional finals through select NBC Sports regional networks including New England, the Bay Area, and other non-NBC regional networks around the world—a first for Rocket League. (Mashable)
NBCSN will show the Grand Finals, with 16 teams, on Aug. 26-27. They’ll also air on Syfy in the U.K., Germany, Australia and “multiple countries across Latin America.” VOD content from the finals will appear on digital and social channels for NBC Sports Regional Networks, NBCSN, Telemundo Deportes, FACEIT and Rocket League. (Deadline)
NBC Sports is investing in the low millions of dollars on the initiative, said Rob Simmelkjaer, senior vice president of NBC Sports Ventures. “We look at emerging areas of sports,” he said. “Esports has been something tough to ignore.” (MarketWatch)