MLG deal brings video gaming to ESPN.com

ESPN.com has
entered a content agreement with Major League Gaming (MLG), the leading
professional video game league. ESPN will serve as a primary outlet
for news about MLG, providing extensive digital coverage of MLG’s 2008
Pro Circuit Competitions, including exclusive streamed matches, pro
player interviews, and scores and stats. Additionally, MLG will host
ESPN co-branded online video game tournaments.

ESPN will be on
site at each of the 2008 MLG Pro Circuit Competitions, reporting news
from its own coverage booth for various ESPN programs and platforms,
including ESPN360.com, ESPN’s signature broadband sports network.

Additionally,
ESPN.com will launch a competitive video gaming section replete with
all of the latest news, information and video as it relates to
competitive gaming. The section will include background on MLG,
interviews with marquee players, video from past competitions and the
ESPN/MLG Top Ten, which includes regularly updated video highlighting
top game play from MLG pros and players. ESPN.com will announce details
of MLG’s 2008 Pro Circuit season in the coming weeks.

“ESPN is
committed to serving our fans, and we recognize the growing popularity
of pro video gaming,” said John Kosner, senior vice president and
general manager, ESPN digital media. “Adding MLG content to our
already comprehensive offering will help us continue to deliver the
best news, information and entertainment to our growing gaming
audience.”

“Pro video gaming offers sports fans everything they
love about sports-great teams, break-out personalities and stars, and
exciting competition,” said Matthew Bromberg, President and CEO of
Major League Gaming. “MLG’s digital properties now reach over four
million fans a month, and millions more follow the League on TV, mobile
devices, and X-Box Live. We’re excited to build upon that audience
with ESPN.”

ESPN.com’s video game section (ESPNVideogames.com)
is the leading online destination for the latest sports gaming news,
analysis, reviews, rankings, video, teasers, cheats, podcasts and the
home of game simulations (including Madden, NCAA Football, NBA Live and
NASCAR).