Sky Commits $2M To ESports Network Ginx TV; ITV Set To Match Investment

Sky has invested $2M in esports broadcaster Ginx TV, with U.K. broadcaster ITV "set to invest an equal amount in the firm," according to Andrew McDonald of TBI VISION. Both Sky and ITV have the "option to buy further holdings in Ginx, which claims to run the largest eSports TV channel in the world with distribution to 37 million households globally." The investment comes after Sky and ITV "partnered with Ginx to relaunch its Ginx eSports TV station" on the Sky platform in the U.K. and Ireland back in June. The channel showcases major esports tournaments from around the world "alongside its own programming, and has content partnership deals in place with Riot, Activision, EGL and Gfinity." The deal comes a week after Sky announced it is investing $1M in the Drone Racing League, "with plans to televise its events on the Sky Sports Mix channel." The investment was part of a $12M funding round by DRL, with "other investors including ProSiebenSat.1, MGM and A+E backer Hearst" (TBI VISION, 9/21).