Esports might be ready for prime time.
Turner Broadcasting and WME/IMG are creating a new esports league that will get airtime on cable, via Variety. TBS, a channel available in 90 million homes, will broadcast 20 live events in 2016. This could help the growing esports scene — which is expected to generate $278 million this year, according to the latest Global Growth of Esports Report from industry intelligence firm Newzoo — reach an even larger audience.
The league will feature competitive play of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, the popular, team-based first-person shooter from Valve.
Live esports have had exposure on cable before, notable with ESPN 2 airing a Heroes of the Storm tournament. Right now, most people watch esports via live-streaming sites like Twitch.