UK public broadcaster continues esports push with live coverage on iPlayer and BBC Sport platforms.
EA Sports
- BBC to livestream series’ European Regional Qualifiers and Playoffs
- Broadcaster has already shown League of Legends, Counter-Strike and Rocket League tournaments
The BBC has linked up with video game developer Electronic Arts (EA) to air live coverage of the FIFA 21 Global Series esports competition.
The agreement will see the UK’s public service broadcaster stream the series’ European regional qualifiers and playoffs live via its digital platforms, including BBC iPlayer, as well as the BBC Sport website and app. Coverage will continue to be available on the EA Sports FIFA Twitch and YouTube channels.
The partnership kicks off with the third European regional qualifier on 20th February.
BBC iPlayer, the BBC’s over-the-top (OTT) service, will provide live coverage of each match in full, broadcasting up to eight hours per day. FIFA 21 Global Series content will also be available on the platform for 30 days following the live broadcasts.
“We see FIFA competitive gaming as an extension of football fandom, and BBC is the ideal partner as it will allow millions of UK fans the opportunity to watch one of the most popular games played at the highest level,” said Brent Koning, EA Sports FIFA competitive gaming commissioner.
The deal marks the latest esports content milestone for the BBC. Last November, the broadcaster partnered with tournament organiser Blast to show the company’s final three Counter-Strike events of the 2020 season, with more than 120 hours of action appearing on the iPlayer.
The BBC has also shown coverage from, among others, the Rocket League European Spring Series and League of Legends’ UK League Championship (UKLC).
