Chinese live-streaming platform Bilibili has entered into a multi-year strategic partnership with Overwatch League (OWL) owner Activision Blizzard, which includes the Chinese production and broadcasting rights to the league in China, further development of the commercial interests, as well as support to promote OWL in the region.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
In addition, Bilibili also confirmed that the company was granted exclusive broadcasting distribution rights in China for OWL. It should be noted that Bilibili also has the same rights for Riot Games’ League of Legends international competitions, including League of Legends World Championship, Mid-Season Invitational, and All-Star event. The deal is a part of Riot Games’ and Bilibili’s three-year strategic partnership, which was signed in 2020.
During the 2020 World Championship, Bilibili monetized the broadcasting rights by sharing it with other live streaming platforms such as DouYu, Huya, and Penguin Esports for an undisclosed price.
Before the partnership was signed, Bilibili had secured the hosting rights of OWL tier two and tier three competitions: “Overwatch Contenders” and “Overwatch Open Division” in China.
