Overwatch League playoffs and finals will air on ESPN channels

The Overwatch League is getting a prime time slot on ESPN for the first day of its grand finals.

The Overwatch League has announced a multiyear exclusive telecast agreement with ESPN and Disney XD. Starting with this year’s playoffs, ESPN and Disney XD will be live broadcasting Overwatch League matches into the 2019 season.

This is a huge step into mainstream media for the Overwatch League and another rung up the ladder for esports as a whole. ESPN is not a stranger to broadcasting esports tournaments, having previously aired Street Fighter, League of Legends and Dota. This newly announced agreement is notable, however, because the Overwatch League was given a prominent spot on ESPN’s flagship channel for the first day of its Grand Finals on July 27.

Unlike the prominent esports communities that games like Dota and League have cultivated over years of organized professional competition, the Overwatch League is still in it’s inaugural season. The fact that Blizzard was able to secure this deal points to a mix of business acumen and timing, as brands and companies increasingly realize the huge reach and potential of the esports industry.

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“The Overwatch League Grand Finals is by far our most comprehensive television distribution for an esports event over a single weekend: 10 total hours over four networks and three days,” said Justin Connolly, Executive Vice President of Affiliate Sales and Marketing of Disney and ESPN Media Networks, in a statement. “This overall collaboration with Disney/ABC, ESPN and Blizzard represents our continued commitment to esports.”

As for reaction to this news, people in the Overwatch community seem equal parts excited by this news as apprehensive. Many are optimistic that this extra exposure for the league will earn it more fans and escort esports closer to mainstream sports.

https://twitter.com/JOSHTHEBOSStrom/status/1017158615013167104

Others, however, are skeptical that this exposure will lead to positive attention. As esports expert Rod “Slasher” Breslau remembered in a recent tweet, the most common reaction to ESPN broadcasting any sort of esport is incredulity, as those who are unfamiliar with esports express confusion as to why they’re watching video games being played on their sports TV channel.

All opinions aside, the Overwatch League playoffs will all be broadcasted on Disney XD and various ESPN channels. After the Grand Finals conclude, a highlights recap of the match will also air on ABC on July 29. According to the press release, the Overwatch League’s 2019 season will also be broadcast, with the finalized schedule to be announced at a later date.