ITV

Category: Sports

  • Sony Six to live telecast Vijender Singh’s first professional fight

    Sony Six to live telecast Vijender Singh’s first professional fight

    MUMBAI: Vijender Singh is on the verge of creating a historic landmark in his boxing career as he makes his debut in professional boxing at the Manchester Area. And Multi Screen Media (MSM) Network’s sports channel Sony Six has bagged the exclusive broadcasting rights to the event.

     

    The channel will be airing the fight live on Saturday, 10 October at 10:20 pm (IST). The event begins at 9.30 pm with the main fight at 10:20 pm.

     

    India’s first Olympic and World Championships-medallist, Singh, will take on England’s Sonny Whiting, who is three-bouts old and has a 2-1 overall record so far in the middleweight division. The fight, which features in the prime time viewing belt for Indian audiences will feature four rounds of three minutes each.

     

    Ahead of his fight, the 29-year-old Singh has set up base in Manchester to train under renowned coach Lee Beard and has been training alongside stable mates Jack Catterall, Adrian Gonzalez and Jimmy Kelly. Singh has made essential changes to adapt his game against the 27-year old English boxer, who already has one knockout win to his credit so far.

     

    Sony Six’s association with boxing was highlighted with the broadcast of the ‘Fight of the Century’ featuring Mayweather against Pacquiao in May 2015. Following that, the channel focused on bringing premium and marquee combat sports content to Indian viewers including showcasing the high profile fight of Floyd Mayweather Jr Vs Andre Berto in September this year. This will be the channel’s third initiative in bringing one of the most headlined boxing fights live to Indian viewers in 2015.

     

    Sony Six and Kix business head Prasana Krishnan said, “We are proud to showcase the fight that marks Vijender Singh’s foray into the professional boxing circuit. Vijender Singh is a National icon and an Olympian who has made India proud with his accomplishments. We are pleased to play our role as broadcasters of his pro debut fight to his fans.”

     

    Singh added, “I am really happy that my professional debut fight in Manchester will be telecast live on Sony Six in India. Now all my friends, fans and coaches in India, who have been asking me about the telecast of the fight can watch me live in action. I am confident that with the reach of Sony Six, everyone in India will be able to watch my pro debut at Manchester Arena.”

  • Pepsi’s withdrawal ‘no big issue’: IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla

    Pepsi’s withdrawal ‘no big issue’: IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla

    MUMBAI: PepsiCo’s notice to BCCI to withdraw its sponsorship from the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) next leg has come as yet another setback to India’s most popular cricketing event.

     

    However, a source close to the development informs Indiantelevision.com, “Pepsi’s exit will have no negative impact on the brand value of the tournament and the board is confident of having a new sponsor way before the start of the next season.”

     

    IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla was quoted by PTI as saying, “We are in talks with other sponsors as well, so the title deal with Pepsi is not that big an issue. They have certain points and we are going to settle them amicably in the next meeting, They have been very good partners all this while and we do not want to disturb our relationship with them. Whatever is going to happen is going to happen in a very smooth manner.”

     

    Shukla further added, “Pepsi wants to end the deal due to its drenching foreign interests. They have shown a willingness to move out of the deal from this season because of their own interests and not because of disrepute and stuff. So they may not continue as the main sponsor.”

     

    The beverage giant wants to walk out of the five-year title contract, which due to expire in 2017, because of the cash-rich league’s incurring controversies.

     

    PepsiCo had paid Rs 396 crore ($71.77 million) from the 2013 – 2017 period. The BCCI will take up the matter during its working committee meeting in Mumbai on 18 October.

  • What the MSM-ESPN deal means

    What the MSM-ESPN deal means

    MUMBAI: When the enemy looks extremely threatening, you bring in allies to help you do battle. And if your ally is a friend-turned-foe of your enemy, it makes the war that much more interesting. And combative.

     

    We are referring to what’s about to happen in the Indian sports television ecosystem. Multi Screen Media India (Sony Entertainment Television India) has struck a deal with the US-based mega sportscaster ESPN Inc under which it will be helping bring in the brand once again into the country as its partner. 

     

    ESPN was Star TV’s former mate in Asia until 2012 wherein they ran and distributed channels in several Asian countries jointly including in India.

     

    The current MSM-ESPN agreement is for the long term and will be for India and the Indian sub-continent. The joint venture will see new co-branded sports channels, a multisport website and an app rolling out over the next few months. The companies will also be working together to develop original sports programs, something which has been sorely lacking in India, with the exception of a couple of them on Star India’s sports channels.

     
    As a first step of the union, MSM’s sports channel Sony Kix is being rebranded as Sony ESPN.

     

    It’s interesting that the two are exchanging vows at the time they are.

     

    The IPL bids are slated to take place next year and the buzz is that Star India is likely to take the bidding to close to the $4 billion mark for all rights. With Sony-ESPN combining their resources and putting up a common front, they are quite likely to put up a stiff fight against Star India. (Others who could throw in a bid include Zee Telefilms and Discovery’s Eurosport). And not just at the IPL auctions but also for all the other sports rights when they come up for renewal.

     

    “However,” a high ranking Sony International Television executive told Indiantelevision.com, “there is no way pricing for the IPL could go up four times. A multiplier of two times or three times over the previous bid is conceivable but above that will make it a big losing proposition.”

     

    What’s also of interest is how Disney is shaping its presence in India. Its family entertainment initiatives got a leg up when it invested in acquiring Ronnie Screwvala’s UTV a few years ago. This deal gave it access to UTV Motion Pictures as well as channels such as Bindass and Hungama.

     

    Disney India recently severed its distribution alliance with IndiaCast Media – part of Viacom18 and has been reaching out to satellite and cable TV platforms to strike deals with them directly.

     

    Now with Disney’s sports offshoot ESPN partnering with MSM, one will have to see whether the latter’s distribution arm MSM Media Distribution resources will be used to shore up the efforts of the distribution team at Disney India. Or will the two work totally independently?

     

    Sports programming in India is likely to also get a shot in the arm. ESPN is renowned for its studio-based shows and live coverage of events. Live sports content in the deal includes major US college football (including the College Football Playoff and comprehensive coverage of the college football bowl season); major US college basketball (including the March Madness NCAA Championship Tournaments); NCAA college sport championships from baseball, softball, lacrosse, soccer; Boxing (including Premier Boxing Champions and ESPN’s Big Fights Library); X Games; ESPN Films Emmy-Award Winning 30 For 30 documentaries amongst others.

     

    What’s also relevant is the fact that both ESPN and MSM are going hell for leather after digital content properties too. The duo has its eyes on developing a co-branded localized multi-sport website and app, which will provide coverage of cricket, football, tennis, the NBA, badminton, field hockey and more. The sports content – both video and text – will be delivered on MSM’s OTT platform Sony Liv, and sonyliv.com as well as highly popular cricket portal espncricinfo.com.  

     

    Each of these websites, television channels and OTT platforms will be used to cross promote each other, giving it tremendous marketing heft.  Additionally, their social media presence is to be beefed up in order to give sports lovers a destination to engage with each other and with their sports stars.
     
     

    The whole in this case is going to be greater than the sum of the two parts. With the entry of a rejuvenated ESPN into India, the entire sports broadcasting ecosystem is likely to see rapid improvements as more money will be pumped in by both Star and the American sportscaster along with MSM.

     

    And this is going to be a win-win for the various administrations, associations, players and professionals,   team owners, and vendors involved in sports and sports broadcasting – and ultimately the sports fan.

  • Ola to ride as official cab partner for 4 Indian Super League teams

    Ola to ride as official cab partner for 4 Indian Super League teams

    MUMBAI: The personal transportation app Ola has jumped on board as the official cab partner of four teams playing in the on-going Indian Super League (ISL) namely Mumbai City FC, FC Pune City, Delhi Dynamos FC and Atlético de Kolkata. 

     

    Ola will also give away free VIP, VVIP and Hospitality passes for the games of these four teams on select days to Ola customers, straight from their app.

     

    Ola vice president Sudarshan Gangrade said, “Football is catching up as a major sport in the country with the formation of popular leagues like the ISL. The young and fast growing Ola user base has a large number of sporting enthusiasts and this is a wonderful opportunity for us to engage with them. With this partnership, Ola users not only gain instant access to their favourite ISL matches, but also to convenient and hassle free mobility options to reach the venue- all from the Ola app.”

     

    Atlético de Kolkata secretary Subrata Talukdar added, “We are delighted to partner with Ola. Ola’s partnership will go a long way in helping us reach out to millions of fans across the country as well as solve the mobility issue for everyone coming to see the matches. Parking and traffic hassles can be significantly minimized with fans now being able to use Ola for reaching the match venues.”

     

    In another sports associations earlier this year, Ola was the official cab partner for five Indian Premier League (IPL) 2015 cricket teams namely Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kings XI Punjab.

  • UltraTech Cement associates with Mumbai City FC as its strength partner

    UltraTech Cement associates with Mumbai City FC as its strength partner

    MUMBAI: UltraTech Cement announces its association with Mumbai City FC, Mumbai’s franchise in the Indian Super League, as its Strength Partner. It aims to extend its support towards building the beautiful game in India with this tie-up.

     

    Football is fast gaining popularity in the country, and the success of the first edition of the Indian Super League is a testimony to it. Indian Super League achieved the rare milestone of having registered the highest average stadium attendance for any football league in Asia, and the fourth highest in the world in its first edition.

     

    Indian National team captain, Sunil Chhetri and Goalkeeper, Subrata Paul among others are the core players of Mumbai City FC. Nicolas Anelka, the marquee player-manager for Mumbai City FC, is a globally renowned footballer having plied his trade with top clubs in Europe including Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal, among others. Bollywood actor and football enthusiast Ranbir Kapoor is the co-owner of the team.

     

    The team’s logo is a reflection of a resilient fortress that depicts the strong and determined spirit of the city. It also depicts a train that is the lifeline of the city. The seven stars symbolize the seven islands that form Mumbai.

     

    “UltraTech has always been strongly connected with sports in India; be it cricket and now football. UltraTech, as a brand, signifies strength and beauty, which is what football as a sport stands for. Mumbai City FC has a strong mix of top national and international players and has a promising season ahead. Our association with Mumbai City FC is a step towards connecting with the youth of India through football, while also leveraging the rising popularity of the game as a brand,” said UltraTech Cement managing director O P Puranmalka.

     

    Commenting on this association with UltraTech Cement , Mumbai City FC team owner Ranbir Kapoor, said, “UltraTech Cement have been associated with sports teams in India for awhile now and it gives us a major confidence boost that they have ventured into football in India with Mumbai City FC. I am very glad to welcome them on board as our strength partner for this season.”

  • MSM & ESPN collaborate to launch sports channels in India; Sony Kix rebranded

    MSM & ESPN collaborate to launch sports channels in India; Sony Kix rebranded

    MUMBAI: Disney’s sports broadcaster ESPN, which exited the Indian market in 2012, is yet again eyeing the lucrative market here albeit with a different joint venture partner. 

     

    After dissolving its 50:50 joint venture with Star India in 2012, ESPN has now joined hands with Multi Screen Media (MSM). The two companies have entered into a long-term agreement in India and the Indian subcontinent.

     

    Through the collaboration, MSM and ESPN will bring new offerings including new co-branded sports channels and as well as a multi-sport website and app. The companies will also be exploring avenues on developing original sports programs.

     

    As a part of this deal, MSM’s sports channel Sony Kix will be rebranded as Sony ESPN. The two companies will also launch other new channels in the coming months. Along with Sony Six, all the channels will deliver a powerful sports lineup to sports fans.

     

    In collaboration with MSM, ESPN will launch a co-branded localized multisport website and app, which will provide coverage of cricket, football, tennis, the NBA, badminton, field hockey and more.

     

    MSM’s OTT platform Sony Liv will also benefit from the collaboration, increasing its current sports offerings significantly. 

     

    ESPNcricinfo, the digital cricket destination in India and globally, will continue to deliver comprehensive coverage and will complement and cross-promote the new digital properties and sports channels.

     

    Among the new co-branded multisport website, sonyliv.com and espncricinfo.com, sports fan will receive sports content from across categories, geographies and time zones.

     

    There will be a robust social media presence for the new co-branded media platforms and, an online programming guide for television.

     

    Components of the collaboration require regulatory approvals, for which the process is currently underway.

     

    Multi Screen Media CEO NP Singh said, “Our partnership with ESPN is just what the sports aficionado has been waiting for. Stylized, insightful sports content presented by the best sportscasters in the business. For consumers in India and the subcontinent, sports television viewing will change dramatically since they will soon have access not only to more content but also the widest array of sports lineup, ever available.”

     

    He further added, “MSM’s association with ESPN is holistic and embraces both television and digital formats. Not only are we about to set the frontiers in sports content and distribution but we will most likely set the trends as well. Going further, both companies will also explore collaboration on the development of other original sports programs.”

     

    ESPN International executive vice president and managing director Russell Wolff said, “ESPN’s focus around the world is simple: to serve sports fans. This exciting, long-term collaboration between ESPN and MSM will serve Indian sports fans with exceptional products, content and coverage through the combined strengths and expertise of our two companies, which each have a strong heritage of leadership and innovation in India. We are very excited to be working with Sony, one of the leading television channels in India, on the opportunities that lie ahead.”

     

    MSM’s current sports rights portfolio in India includes the UEFA Euro 2016, top European football leagues (including La Liga, The FA Cup and Serie A), the NBA, the NFL, the IRB Rugby World Cup, UFC, TNA Wrestling and NASCAR amongst others.

     

    ESPN will add to that by delivering more than 1000 hours of programming per year from its portfolio of sports rights, original programming and studio programs. Live sports content in the deal includes major US college football (including the College Football Playoff and comprehensive coverage of the college football bowl season); major US college basketball (including the March Madness NCAA Championship Tournaments); NCAA college sport championships from baseball, softball, lacrosse, soccer; Boxing (including Premier Boxing Champions and ESPN’s Big Fights Library); X Games; ESPN Films Emmy-Award Winning 30 For 30 documentaries amongst others.

     

    In its previous 16 year long stint in India via the joint venture with Star India, ESPN Software India operated ESPN Star Sports’ India ops. The channels under it included ESPN, Star Sports and Star Cricket. Over the last few years post the exit of ESPN, Star India’s sports game has been upped by several notches with the launch of multiple sports channels under the Star Sports brand name as well as lucrative leagues for sports  such as Kabbadi, football et al.

     

    With MSM and ESPN’s ambitous plans to launch multiple sports channels as well as original sports properties, the sports broadcasting scenario is likely to receive a major impetus. Moreover, with competition heating up in the space, when the rights for the marquee tournament – Indian Premier League (IPL) come up for bidding again in 2019 the acquisition price is likely to sky rocket.

  • Star India rakes in over Rs 100 crore from ISL Season 2 sponsorships

    Star India rakes in over Rs 100 crore from ISL Season 2 sponsorships

    MUMBAI: When the Indian Super League (ISL) launched last year with the ‘Let’s Football’ tag line, it created a significant buzz across the country. With many a ‘firsts’ like having Nicolas Anelka dribbling on Indian ground and Indian spectators getting an opportunity to witness living legends like Luis Garcia, Del Piero and Robert Pires playing in front of their eyes, 410 million people in India echoed ‘Let’s Football’ with Neeta Ambani and Star India CEO Uday Shankar.

     

    That said, the big looming question was: Was football a revenue generating asset for broadcasters? There is virtually no time for a single advertisement in either of the two 45 minutes halves, and in an era where constant partial attention is at its peak, for viewers to stick to same channel during half time break seemed to be an unrealistic proposition.

     

    Nonetheless, as the saying goes, “Where there is a will there is a way!” The second season of ISL, which kicked-off on 3 October on Star Sports, has already brought the broadcaster in excess of Rs 100 crore in revenue from multiple brand sponsorships.

     

    While before the season began, it was speculated that Star Sports head Nitin Kukreja and his team raked in close to Rs 97 crore excluding revenues from digital broadcast from ISL season 2, the figure has now crossed the Rs 100 crore mark.

     

    A source close to the development tells Indiantelevision.com, “The last minute inclusion of Servo as a sponsor has made the Rs 100 crore landmark look possible. The way Star has sold the inventory is an example for the industry. There were so many new avenues that opened up. If we include digital revenues, Star has easily crossed the Rs 100 crore mark.”

     

    Hero Motocorp, as the title sponsor, pays close to Rs 20 crore per year to Star. Apart from that, the channel has Maruti Suzuki, DHL, Pond’s Men, Gatorade, Flipkart, Servo, U Quit I Quit, Hewlett Packard, Puma, Volini, The Muthoot Group, Amul, Manyavar and Imperial Blue as advertisers in its kitty.

     

    DHL, the official partners of Manchester United and Bayern Munchen, has also joined hands with Star India to be the logistics and time partner. As a part of the partnership, DHL gets presence on the screen that shows time on ground.

     

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, DHL India country manager and senior vice president R S Subramaniam says, “Last year’s performance and prominence of the league was the main reason behind us joining the league. It is a one year deal that we have signed and we may renew it in the future too.”

        

    Mumbai City FC CEO and CAA Kwan COO Indranil Das Blah adds, “The league has kicked off to a flyer. Once the TV numbers are out, we will have a better understanding of the scenario. Overall, the on-ground interaction has gone up and so has the sponsor’s interest.”

     

    Mumbai City FC also witnessed a 20 per cent growth in terms of revenue generation as per sources.

     

    “Sports no longer is a sport on screen now. It’s all about packaging and Star, first with Pro Kabaddi League and now with ISL, has proved that smart packaging can make every sport lucrative. Revenue generation was never a concern this season. The concern was with expectations. Last year, ISL was a surprise. Now there is a burden of expectation and if the tourney fails to meet expectations, it would be considered as a flying bubble,” a senior media planner says on condition of anonymity.

     

    While it remains to be seen if the tournament will help India in becoming a footballing nation but the revenue created from the sport certainly creates new benchmarks. No doubt proper packaging and smart monetisation can make every sport lucrative.

  • Preps on for India’s first international football event – Under 17 World Cup

    Preps on for India’s first international football event – Under 17 World Cup

    NEW DELHI: With the first-ever international football event coming up in India, Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has urged all the stakeholders of the FIFA U 17 World Cup 2017 tournament to work together as a team and put their best foot forward.

     

    Addressing the first board meeting of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the tournament, he assured the complete support of the government. 

     

    Earlier, All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Praful Patel explained the vital importance of the tournament for the overall development of Indian football and outlined the support necessary from all quarters for successfully staging the tournament. 

     

    LOC FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 Tournament director Javier Ceppi updated the board on the current progress of the preparations. 

     

    Sports secretary Rajiv Yadav and representatives of Goa, Kochi, Guwahati and Kolkata also updated the forum on the current progress of work at the various venues. 

     

    The FIFA U 17 World Cup, 2017 is the first ever FIFA tournament to be held in India and will be staged in September–October 2017. Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Kochi, Kolkata and Guwahati have been initially shortlisted as venues for the event. 

  • Mumbai City FC goes bejeweled by VelvetCase.com

    Mumbai City FC goes bejeweled by VelvetCase.com

    MUMBAI: VelvetCase.com, the largest marketplace for designer jewellery,is once again workingits charm in the sports guild! After their stint with ace Tennis Star, Serena Williams who had a record 2015 wearing ruby and diamond earrings from VelvetCase.com and Mumbai’sPro Kabaddi team U Mumba who got crowned champions for the 2015 league, VelvetCase.com is on a roll! They are nowpartnering with Mumbai City FC in the upcoming Hero Indian Super League 2015. Will their lucky charm work again, this time for Mumbai’s soccer team?
     

    Mumbai City FC is Mumbai’s franchise in the Hero Indian Super League and is owned by Bollywood actor and football enthusiast Ranbir Kapoor and chartered accountant Bimal Parekh. The team’s logo is a reflection of a resilient fortress that stands proudly, surrounding the logo that signifies the unrelenting, determined spirit of the city.
     

    VelvetCase.com along with their strong global network of over 200+ jewellery designers and brands has curated a capsule collection of merchandise for the Mumbai City FC that includescufflinks, pendants, earrings, keychains, etc. all made in pure silver.
     

    “We are delighted and proud to be the official jewellery sponsors of the Mumbai City FC. It gives me immense pleasure to be associated with Ranbir Kapoor, Sunil Chettri and the entire Mumbai team. In this second season of the ISL, I am sure the team will be a force to reckon with. VelvetCase is happy to extend its full support to celebrating champions in every field,” said Mr. Kapil Hetamsaria, CEO and Founder, VelvetCase.com at the occasion.
     

    In his statement on the partnership with VelvetCase.com, Ranbir Kapoor said “I am excited to have VelvetCase on board as our jewellery partner. The collection has come out real well and I am looking forward to seeing all our fans wearing these exclusive Mumbai City FC pieces merchandise. I surely will be!”
     

    The VelvetCase-Mumbai City FC collection of cufflinks, pendants, earrings, key chains, etc. has been designed by designers from New York, Italy and Mumbai and has received a positive initial response from consumers. Each piece is made in pure silver and is very stylish keeping in mind the modern consumer – collection is available to view and purchase at www.velvetcase.com/mumbaicityfc. Keep coming back since new designs will be added to the collection as the league progresses!
     

    “We are delighted and excited to have VelvetCase on board as our jewelry partner. The collection looks great and we look forward to seeing all our fans wearing these exclusive Mumbai City FC merchandise. Football themed jewelry, now that’s innovative and cool.” commented Mr. Indranil Das CEO Mumbai FC.

  • Turner Broadcasting & WME | IMG partner to create eSports League

    Turner Broadcasting & WME | IMG partner to create eSports League

    MUMBAI: Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. and WME | IMG have formed a new strategic partnership to create an eSports competitive gaming league.

     

    Through the venture, Turner and WME | IMG will deliver competitive gaming events for all platforms including premium live fan experiences, televised coverage airing exclusively on TBS and extensive, high quality live digital event coverage and content extensions. Turner Studios in Atlanta will become the East Coast epicenter for eSports competitive gaming, serving as the headquarters for the new league and primary operations facility for the live gaming experience.

     

    Video game publisher Valve Corporation’s Counter-Strike: Global Offensive will be the featured game during the league’s first season. Turner Sports will produce the eSports competitions – in association with WME | IMG – and facilitate ad sales and sponsorship opportunities surrounding the new league.

     

    All aspects of the eSports league – including the live event experience – will be jointly managed by Turner Broadcasting and WME | IMG, with Turner Studios providing a state-of-the-art facility specifically created to showcase the live gaming competitions. Slated to begin in 2016, the televised presentation of the competitive gaming events will feature 10 consecutive weeks of programming twice per year – the most extensive commitment to televised eSports programming to date – airing Friday nights on TBS.

     

    In 2016, eSports tournaments will be televised twice per year with each 10-week period including a regular season, playoffs and championship. Both tournaments will include eSports teams facing off in competition while playing Valve’s Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.

     

    Additionally, digital coverage will include live daily competitive gaming content distributed Tuesday through Friday during each tournament week, as well as a live digital companion experience on Friday nights offered simultaneously with the TBS presentation. Digital content will also include behind-the-scenes event coverage and profiles on the eSports teams and competitors, with additional eSports coverage available through Bleacher Report’s top-rated Team Stream App.

     

    “eSports is one of the fastest growing entertainment genres among young adults around the world. We’re looking forward to creating a tremendous live event atmosphere, leveraging the infrastructure and expertise within Turner Studios, and presenting the competitions in an innovative way throughout our portfolio of leading brands,” said Turner Sports president Lenny Daniels.

     

    “We are proud to establish a leadership position in this rapidly growing arena, which I see as a tent pole for the next chapter of TBS. The level of rabid fandom and engagement that we see in this world is extraordinary and we aim to up the experience for both the players and fans alike and provide a cutting-edge live experience on both linear and digital TBS platforms,” said Turner chief creative officer and TBS and TNT president Kevin Reilly.

     

    “The eSports environment is purpose-built for a generation that consumes content across multiple platforms and seeks unique live experiences. We’re proud to be partnering with Turner to give competitive gaming a first-of-its-kind platform to meet the needs of the industry’s growing fan base and attract new audiences around the world,” added WME | IMG chief content officer Mark Shapiro. 

     

    “WME | IMG is constantly seeking new ways to help fans enjoy the eSports they love and attract more fans to the sport. This venture is a great example of our commitment to growing the eSports industry, and Turner is the perfect partner to make this a reality. We’ve so enjoyed working with Valve and the teams through this endeavor, and we’re excited for the future,” said WME | IMG’s eSports division head Tobias Sherman.

     

    eSports is a term used to refer to organized, multiplayer video gaming competitions that are rapidly expanding in popularity on a global scale. According to data provided by NewZoo, global eSports viewership is more than 226 million people with the total expected to climb to 323 million by 2018. 

     

    The addition of eSports competitive gaming is one of many live events set to air on TBS in early 2016. The network’s Spring slate will also feature the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship Final Four, including TBS’s first-ever telecast of the National Championship game, as well as the iHeartRadio Music Awards. TBS’s upcoming live event programming will also include the first-ever Live Nation Music Awards – co-executive produced with IMG – in June and Turner Sports’ annual coverage of the Major League Baseball Postseason in October.