The growing popularity of eSports is making traditional TV networks take notice. We know ESPN’s already working hard to embrace that community, and now The CW seems to be on a similar path. In partnership with Machinima, the popular YouTube gaming production company, CW will be airing the ESL Mortal Kombat X Pro League Finals on its broadcast television channel in the US. If you’re into it, you can watch the primetime special event February 15th at 8PM ET — no pay-TV needed.
Up until now, eSports events had been limited to cable networks like ESPN or Spike, but this could be a sign of things to come. As part of the deal, Machinima’s Chasing the Cup documentary series is streaming on The CW’s Seed website, where you’ll find five video episodes covering this Mortal Kombat X competition.
The fact CW and Machinima are working together is thanks to Warner Bros., as Variety notes, which has a stake in both of these properties.
Source: Variety