The ESPORTS Battle League (EBL) and WHAM Network Inc. Join Forces to Deliver Global Content Distribution of EBL’s Inaugural...
February 26 2018 - 12:00PM
ESPORTS Battle League (EBL) and WHAM Network Inc., (WHAM),
announced today a digital media partnership set to deliver EBL’s
inaugural season to WHAM’s diverse gaming lifestyle content in June
2018. The joint venture marks the first media deal for EBL, and the
first esports distribution deal for WHAM.
The WHAM Network is a partner of leading
independent content distributor Cinedigm (NASDAQ:CIDM), with both
companies jointly operating and marketing the channel. As one of
Cinedigm’s digital-first networks, WHAM’s distribution will include
participation on embedded, mobile, and connected device platforms
across the world, with programming and content focusing on the
lifestyle and culture of gaming on a global basis. In addition to
North America, WHAM will also be rolling out in East Asia as part
of Cinedigm’s reciprocal distribution partnership with China—giving
the network unprecedented availability in the two largest markets
in the world.
Co-founded by Scott O’Leary, with former National
Lacrosse League Commissioner George Daniel, and former NBA Players
Association Chief Counsel Bob Lanza, the EBL is a dynamic new
professional esports league comprised of geo-located franchises
spread across the major North American markets. The EBL features
head-to-head team matches in a best-of-three format, pitting teams
against each other in a variety of popular genre-spanning titles.
The EBL expects to field eight to ten teams in the upcoming season,
each competing in a traditional league format with the team that
has the best two out of three scores advancing in the
competition.
“The number of people involved in the lifestyle and
culture of gaming is expanding at an exponential rate, with yearly
revenue growth projecting it to be a 1.5 billion dollar business by
2020. As such, we are very excited to become a lasting part of this
flourishing community with the launch of our initial season,” said
Scott O’Leary, EBL co-founder and CEO. “We look forward to
streaming intense esports matches paired with exclusive shoulder
content that includes in-depth player interviews, gameplay
analysis, and specials highlighting the road to the championship
each widely distributed across the extensive WHAM Network, which is
dedicated to creating and distributing quality content in this
space.”
“We love the EBL vision,” said Gary Kleinman, WHAM
founder. “Their integration of esports and lifestyle content is a
perfect fit for WHAM. The EBL represents a truly fresh and
different perspective on franchise esports competition.”
ABOUT EBL
The Esports Battle League is a professional
geo-based franchise league launching in summer 2018 that uses a
unique, patent pending multi-title competition format. The
EBL is an esports lifestyle brand that creates a
one-of-the-kind omni-channel experience for esports
enthusiasts. For more information visit EBL at www.
esportsbattleleague.com.
ABOUT WHAM Networks Inc.
WHAM is an independent and agnostic media platform
dedicated to the lifestyle and culture of gaming on a global
basis. A 24/7 channel that has original programming and third
party relevant gaming content and can be found on OTT channels,
mobile devices and connected television. WHAM has partnered
with Cinedigm for the distribution of its channel alongside with
owned and operated Cinedigm channels Docurama, ConTV and the Dove
Channel found on Twitch TV, Xumo, Pluto, Verizon among others on an
OTT basis and Vizio and LG connected televisions.
ABOUT Cinedigm
Cinedigm powers custom content solutions to the world’s largest
retail, media and technology companies. The company provides
premium feature films and series to digital platforms including
iTunes, Netflix, and Amazon, cable and satellite providers
including Comcast, Dish Network and DirecTV, and major retailers
including Walmart and Target. Leveraging Cinedigm’s unique
capabilities, content and technology, the company has emerged as a
leader in the fast-growing over-the-top (OTT) channel business,
currently with four channels under management that reach hundreds
of millions of devices, while also providing premium content and
service expertise to the entire OTT ecosystem. Learn more about
Cinedigm at www.cinedigm.com.
In November 2017, Bison Capital became the beneficial
owner of the majority of Cinedigm’s outstanding Class A Common
Stock. Bison Capital is a Hong Kong-based investment company
with a focus on the media and entertainment, healthcare and
financial service industries. Founded by Mr. Peixin Xu in 2014,
Bison Capital has made multiple investments in film and TV
production, film distribution and entertainment-related mobile
Internet services.
Cinedigm is now working closely with Bison Capital to develop
plans and forge partnerships to release entertainment content and
develop OTT channels in China while, reciprocally, releasing
Chinese content and new OTT channels in North America.
Cinedigm™ and Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp™ are trademarks of
Cinedigm Corp. www.cinedigm.com. [CIDM-G]
For more information: Contact: Teri Weigel
teri@creativegrouppr.com
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