Blake Broadcasting signs esports deal with ESL and DreamHack

Blake Broadcasting has signed a multi-territory rights deal with the ESL and DreamHack.

Blake’s CBBN linear network and OTT service will become the exclusive satellite distribution platform to the ESL Pro Tour and Dota 2 in the US, Canada and Asia (exclusind China). 

The broadcaster said that CBBN’s programming strategy will focus on primetime re-airs in addition to studio shows featuring highlights, news and interviews from events such as the Intel Extreme Masters, ESL One, ESL Pro League. 

A joint statement from the companies said that this is “one of the most significant” media rights deals for the ESL and DreamHack to date. 

Thomas Schmidt, chief commercial officer at ESL said: “ESL and DreamHack are extremely focused on improving the coverage and reach of our events, and with this partnership, our tournaments and other content will be available to hundreds of millions of satellite- and cable-equipped homes. 

“Our agreement with BBN is in line with our ambition to expand our programming to mainstream audiences without compromising our world-class digital coverage for the esports community that we’re committed to serve.”

Blake Broadcasting CEO Bob Blake said: “Our channels are dedicated to providing only the highest quality esports, news, sports, and entertainment content for our viewers, and this groundbreaking deal will make CBNN the largest television broadcaster of esports outside of China. 

“We could not find a better partner to provide premium esports content than ESL and DreamHack. Combined with our support from SES and MX1 and our other major content providers and partners, we will be delivering the best in premium esports programming, which will be the priority anchor for our sports initiatives going forward.”