NBC embraces eSports and will be the first broadcaster to air Rocket League
NBC is the latest major broadcaster to test the waters with eSports content, sealing a deal that will make it the first to air Rocket League footage.
Rocket League merges football and destruction derby
The game, a cross between a destruction derby and a soccer match, is a highly popular multiplayer game across multiple platforms and as of March 2017 had shifted 10.5m units. At the time, there were around 29m registered users as a result of the title also being bundled in the PlayStation Plus offer.
NBC has recognised the appeal of the title and is willing to give it a chance on the air (although it is already highly popular on YouTube and Twitch platforms). The broadcaster has partnered with game platform FACEIT and Rocket League developer Psyonix to produce and air a new tournament.
This summer, it will launch a 2v2 Rocket League tournament with a prize pool worth a neat $100,000. The last sixteen competitiors will be aired 26-27 August in the US, the UK, Australia, Germany, and across Latin America, reports VentureBeat.
David Preschlack, president of NBC Sports Regional Networks, said: “The NBC Regional Sports Networks bring the best in local sports to our fans day in and day out, and we’re excited that the fast-growing world of esports are now a part of that mission.
“We look forward to engaging our fans in a whole new way that allows them to get in the eSports game, and to bring a whole new generation of fans to our platforms as well.”
Psyonix seems dead set on touching down with traditional TV viewers, it also has a partnership with the WWE network.