Activision Blizzard’s Overwatch League has added Comcast’s Xfinity brand as its preferred internet service provider and presenting sponsor of the 2020 online season’s English-language feed.
The new two-year partnership follows a previous alliance for the 2019 Overwatch League playoffs and grand finals, the latter of which were held at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center.
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Brandon Snow, Chief Revenue Officer of Activision Blizzard Esports, commented in a release: “We are thrilled to continue our work with Xfinity to give our fans and players the highest quality in streaming and gameplay. As the preferred ISP of the Overwatch League and with regular season play taking place online, Xfinity’s partnership is essential to successful broadcasts and online fan experiences.”
Due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the remainder of the 2020 Overwatch League season is expected to be played online. The teams will compete from their own respective facilities and homes in the meantime.
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Comcast’s partnership will include sponsored “In Case You Missed It” highlight videos, plus Xfinity customers can quickly access live streams via YouTube by saying “Overwatch League” into the X1 voice remote. The Overwatch League and Activision’s Call of Duty League both stream exclusively through YouTube.
Matt Lederer, Vice President of Brand Partnerships at Comcast, added: “Fast and reliable internet is essential for the best online gaming experience, and our continued partnership with Overwatch League gives us the opportunity to showcase how Xfinity xFi delivers the most reliable and fastest speeds built for gamers. We’re excited to develop content and create viewing experiences that Overwatch League fans and Xfinity customers can’t get anywhere else.”
Esports Insider says: Given that the rest of the Overwatch League season’s live events are likely cancelled, it makes a lot of sense to bring on a prominent online company as a presenting sponsor – especially one you have a pre-existing working relationship with.