Facebook seals live streaming deal with ESL
January 19, 2018
Facebook has agreed a deal to become The Electronic Sports League’s (ESL) main broadcast partner for the the CS:GO Pro League and the ESL One circuit.
ESL will produce and broadcast a weekly five-minute show on the Dota community on Facebook Watch. Competitions will be streamed exclusively via Facebook Live in English and Portuguese, with other languages available as well.
All live broadcasts from CS:GO Pro League and ESL One will be available in 1080p/60fps on Facebook. Both Pro League and ESL One will also be streamed in VR.
Nik Adams, senior vice president global media rights & distribution, ESL said: “Building on our successful partnership, we believe Facebook is the perfect platform to bring both Pro League and ESL One competitions to new and existing audiences.
“With Facebook broadening their portfolio of top-tier live sports events and leagues, we are excited to add this content to their lineup and guarantee the very best of viewing experiences to our passionate fans.”
READ MORE: What’s next for Facebook’s live sports strategy?
Ken Hershman, executive chairman and commissioner, WESA, said: “Not only does this mark an important step for Pro League, our teams, and our players, but it is also an incredible opportunity to be at the forefront of sports media consumption.
“With Facebook’s scale, especially in gaming, and the digital-first instincts of our viewers, we believe this partnership will both reach and better serve our global CS:GO audience by bringing the excitement and drama of Pro League directly to our fans.”
Leo Olebe, global director, games partnerships, added: “Having two of ESL’s most adored properties for CS:GO and Dota 2 streaming exclusively on Facebook is the next step in our efforts to delight the passionate esports community on Facebook.
“The ability to now watch esports in 1080p and in VR underscores our commitment to adding more ways for fans to watch and connect with each other around the esports content they love most.”
Stay ahead of the curve and sign up to our Broadcasting Masterclass now
