Minor Sports

The International Orienteering Federation has pointed to the benefits of a new media strategy after stating a record number of territories will be able to see broadcasts from this year’s World Orienteering Championships in Sweden.

Active lifestyle and endurance events company Tough Mudder has agreed a multi-year rights deal with the CBS Sports division of US network CBS.

Canadian telecommunications company Bell has agreed a deal to cover this year’s Canadian League of Gamers esports competition.

AMC Networks International-Iberia, the Iberian division of US entertainment company AMC Networks, has joined forces with US gaming and media streaming firm Machinima to launch a new channel in Spain and Portugal focused on esports and gaming.

Chinese platform ImbaTV has agreed a rights deal with Ali Sports, the operator of the World Electronic Sports Games esports tournament.

Interactive entertainment company Activision Blizzard has revealed plans to revamp its MLG.tv esports streaming service and has signed an enhanced partnership with social media platform Facebook.

US production company Pilgrim Media Group has entered into a partnership with esports tournament organiser ESL to create and distribute original content for television and digital platforms.

German pay-television broadcaster Sky Deutschland has said it will broadcast esports for the first time through coverage of the finale of the 2015-16 season of the Virtuellen Bundesliga (VBL).

Modern Times Group, the multi-territory commercial and pay-television broadcaster which owns leading esports company ESL, will launch what it claims will be the first 24/7 global esports channel next month.

Malaysian pay-television broadcaster Astro will launch a dedicated esports channel in June.

The Sina Sports division of Chinese internet operator Sina has entered into a multi-year strategic partnership with the Global Poker League.

The World Flying Disc Federation has confirmed that US pay-television broadcaster CBS Sports Network will provide coverage of this year’s World Ultimate Championships.

Agon, the organiser and commercial rights-holder of the World Chess Championship cycle, has launched legal action against four websites for “blatantly flouting” restrictions on the live broadcasting of the games and moves at the ongoing World Chess Candidates tournament in Moscow, Russia.

Las Vegas-based broadcaster Poker Central has acquired rights to broadcast the Global Poker League, which commences its inaugural season later this year.

Interactive entertainment company Activision Blizzard has acquired the business of Major League Gaming, a leader in the creation and streaming of premium live eSports events, organising professional competitions and running competitive gaming leagues.

FIDE, the global governing body of chess, has secured its first long-term media rights deal through a new partnership with Norwegian public-service broadcaster NRK.