The Overwatch League has entered a multi-year content deal with social media platform Twitter.
This partnership will see Overwatch League deliver highlights and livestream content to Twitter, starting with the Overwatch League All-Star Weekend on August 25-26th.
Daniel Cherry, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Activision Blizzard Esports Leagues discussed the deal in a statement: “From the inception of the Overwatch League, the community on Twitter has always been one of our most passionate and engaged. That’s why we are particularly excited to announce this collaboration, beginning with the Overwatch League’s All-Star Weekend.”
The programming that will come to Twitter includes: near-real-time video highlights of the All-Star Weekend, a livestream of the weekly live show Watchpoint (once the Overwatch League returns in 2019), and distribution of almost real-time highlight clips from the regular season, playoffs, Grand Finals, and All-Star Weekend.
Rishi Chadha, Head of Gaming Partnerships at Twitter also commented: “Twitter is where Overwatch League conversations happen and we’re thrilled to bring more content to the platform for several years. Overwatch League is one of the most Tweeted-about esports leagues on the platform, and this partnership will bolster that conversation.”
Overwatch League already has broadcasting deals with streaming platform Twitch and entertainment conglomerate Disney. The latter entered a broadcast deal with the league in July, which saw the Overwatch League Grand Finals receive plenty of coverage on ESPN, ABC, and Disney XD. Twitch entered the fray before the inaugural season started, with a two-year deal being agreed upon in January of this year.
Esports Insider says: In a time where Facebook is receiving a lot of the broadcasting rights to esports competitions and leagues, this deal with Twitter may be welcomed more by fans. Plenty have been vocal regarding their distaste towards Facebook, but there’s already a huge audience for the Overwatch League on Twitter. Having Watchpoint livestreamed on the social media platform is the most surprising part of this deal, and it’s also the most interesting. How will a weekly show fare on Twitter? We’re intrigued to find out.