Overwatch League is coming to the ESPN, Disney and ABC family of networks. The multi-year broadcast deal includes the Overwatch League playoffs , the Season 1 grand finals from the Barclays Center in New York this month and Overwatch League Season 2 next year.
“We are turning the corner here in terms of our interest and engagement in the esports category,” ESPN Vice President of Digital Media Programming John Lasker said. “We’ve had an interest and have been watching pretty closely how the first year of the Overwatch League has been progressing, and we’re really excited to be a part of this. Clearly by the way we’re going to be covering it starting with the playoffs and the finals this year certainly speaks volumes to our excitement and our enthusiasm overall for esports moving forward.”
Overwatch League debuted in January with 12 teams representing cities such as Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Shanghai and Seoul. The teams all compete from the Blizzard Arena in Burbank, California. In the future, Overwatch League will become the first geolocated structured league in modern-day eSports scenario as teams will move to their home cities.
We’re partnering with @ESPN and @DisneyXD to bring you more ways to watch the #OWL2018 Playoffs and Grand Finals! #CaptureHistory pic.twitter.com/Epd3M5omEE
— Overwatch League (@overwatchleague) July 11, 2018
It’ not ESPN first time broadcasting eSports events and the partnership with Blizzard comes from a long time and Blizzard compares their relationship to the ones ESPN enjoys with other major sports leagues.
“Media partners are another very important partner in [the Overwatch League] ecosystem. ESPN is invested in the growth of the NBA and now we hope they are invested in the growth of our league. That’s what makes it a significant moment.” Vlastelica said.
Live coverage begins today, July 11, with the playoffs airing at 8 p.m. ET on Disney XD and ESPN3. Finals will go live on ESPN at 7pm NY time, starting July 27. Second day of the finals will air on ESPN2, ABC network and Disney XD.
Overwatch League Playoffs And Grand Finals Telecast Schedule
| DATE | TIME (ET) | EVENT | NETWORK(S) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed., July 11 | 8 p.m. & 10 p.m. | Day 1 of Quarterfinals | Disney XD, ESPN3 |
| Fri., July 13 | 8 p.m. | Day 2 of Quarterfinals | Disney XD, ESPN3 |
| Sat., July 14 | 4 p.m. | Day 3 of Quarterfinals | Disney XD, ESPN3 |
| Wed., July 18 | 8 p.m. & 10 p.m. | Day 1 of Semifinals | Disney XD, ESPN3 |
| Fri., July 20 | 7 p.m. | Day 2 of Semifinals | ESPNEWS |
| Sat., July 21 | 7 p.m. | Day 3 of Semifinals | ESPN2 |
| Fri., July 27 | 7 p.m. | Day 1 of Finals | ESPN |
| Sat., July 28 | 4:30 p.m. | Day 2 of Finals | Disney XD, ESPN3 |
| Sat., July 28 | 9 p.m. | Day 2 of Finals | ESPN2 (re-air) |
| Sun., July 29 | 3 p.m. | Highlights Recap | ABC, ESPN3 |
Source: ESPN Esports
