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UK public broadcaster adds to esports portfolio with European Spring Series.
Rocket League / Psyonix
The BBC, the UK public-service broadcaster, aired more than 13 hours of coverage from the Rocket League European Spring Series after signing a deal to show the regional esports tournament across its digital platforms.
The agreement, which covered two live presentations retained on the BBC’s iPlayer over-the-top (OTT) service, covered off eight best-of-five matches played on 9th May, before a playoff series and a best-of-seven final held on 10th May.
In securing a deal with Rocket League for its digital distribution channels, the BBC adds more esports to its content portfolio which includes Formula E’s simulation series and the ePremier League Invitational FIFA 20 tournaments. With the coronavirus-enforced absence of live sport continuing, further gaming-related programming is expected in the future.
Ben Gallop, BBC Sport’s head of digital, said: “Rocket League is one of the most exciting esports in the gaming world and to have the European Spring Series live on the BBC’s digital platforms is something we’re really pleased to be able to offer, especially to our younger audiences.
“BBC Sport is constantly evolving and a time like this gives us the chance to do even more with esports, as well as looking ahead to see what’s possible in the future.”
The new Spring Series was developed in response to the cancellation of the Rocket League’s ninth world championship due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Psyonix, the title’s California-based developer, opted instead to stage four separate events on different continents.
With winners taking home a combined US$350,000 in prize money, the Rocket League Spring Series also included two-day tournaments staged in North America and South America last month, with another held in Oceania between 2nd and 3rd May.
