BT Sport joins BBC as broadcast partner for Gfinity's Elite Series

Days after Gfinity announced a broadcasting deal with BBC Three, the UK esports company has secured another TV deal. Starting today, Aug. 1, Gfinity’s Elite Series will be broadcasted not only on BBC Three—but on sports TV channel BT Sport as well. BT Sport subscribers will be able to view the tournament circuit consisting of Rocket League, Street Fighter V, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive games. It takes place in London’s Gfinity Arena, a dedicated esports studio. The BT Sport network is a premium sports channel network, broadcasting the English Premier League, the Champion’s League, and the NBA across four channels. “We are very pleased to launch this partnership and deliver the Elite Series to our fans on TV, through BT Sport,” Neville Upton, CEO of Gfinity, said. “BT Sport has shown a commitment to be at the forefront of sports broadcasting and this is an amazing opportunity to bring esports to a new audience in the UK, showcasing the incredible engagement and passion of the gamers and fans.” “This fantastic tie-up with Gﬁnity marks our latest move to support and engage with the passionate and extensive gaming community here in the UK,” Andy Haworth, BT’s managing director of content and strategy, added. “The popularity of competitive gaming is growing rapidly and we are excited to announce that the inaugural season of the Elite Series will be broadcast on BT Sport.” For Gfinity, the deals marks another landmark in its push for more prominence in the global esports landscape. Within the last week, the company signed three TV deals—with BT Sport, BBC Three, and Eleven Sports—and purchased esports servicer CEVO for $2.7 million, securing itself important U.S. market shares. BT Sport had aired FIFA esports matches in the EA Ultimate Team Championship Series, earlier this year, and had announced to follow up with more esports coverage, Esports News UK reported. The channel went into an exclusive partnership with games industry production agency Attention Seekers, to produce pre-recorded and live gaming content.