DAZN and Warner Bros. Discovery Join Esports World Cup as Partners

With just days before the Esports World Cup kicks off, the organisers have announced DAZN as long-term strategic partner of the Esports World Cup Foundation. Warner Bros. Discovery will also provide extensive coverage in EMEA through its brands CNN and Eurosport.

With the inaugural Esports World Cup kicking off in Riyadh on 3 July, preparations are in full swing. The organisers of the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) have now answered another important question: how will fans around the world be able to follow the event besides the esports streaming platforms? To this end, the EWCF has announced two broadcast partners that are well known in traditional sports.

DAZN will act as the event's global broadcaster and strategic partner. The company will work closely with the organisers on content production and will broadcast the esports competitions for free. According to the company, this is a long-term partnership. "DAZN’s technology, distribution, production and marketing capabilities sets us apart. We are the perfect long-term partners for the Esports World Cup Foundation, and we will be working closely together to further develop how we deliver this innovative event in ways that excite, engage and create new levels of interaction for fans and new audiences", Shay Segev, CEO of DAZN Group, said.

Alongside DAZN, EWCF has also signed up Warner Bros Discovery. A comprehensive coverage of the Esports World Cup has been agreed, ranging from show formats to innovative social media formats during the eight-week event. The partnership with WBD covers the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region and primarily includes the sports and esports experienced brands CNN and Eurosport.

"Esports World Cup is a competition where sport meets entertainment which aligns neatly with Warner Bros. Discovery’s ambition for our streaming services to become the premier sports and entertainment destination for consumers. With the popularity of esports continuing to grow, partnering with the Esports World Cup affords Warner Bros. Discovery a unique opportunity to reach new audiences and celebrate its fandom," Mike Rich, Head of Warner Bros. Discovery, Sports & Lifestyle International Brand Partnerships, said.

Ralf Reichert, former founder of the ESL and now CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, which is responsible for the success of the $60 million-plus esports event, is delighted with both deals: "As we work to establish esports as a vital driver of global culture, partnerships with market leaders like DAZN are essential long-term steps to stimulate sustained interest and engage global fan communities", Reichart said on the DAZN deal.

And commenting on the agreement with WBD, he said: "This collaboration allows us to leverage their extensive network and expertise across Eurosport, CNN, and other platforms to create amazing content and reach new fans in ways we never could before. We're confident that this partnership will not only elevate the visibility of the Esports World Cup but also reignite passion for competitive gaming worldwide."

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