NBC Sports will bring back its signature esports property for a second year. NBC, U.K.-based tournament organizer FaceIt and game developer Psyonix will again put on the Universal Open Rocket League, a $100,000 prize pool tournament with open qualifying in North America and Europe. Brisk Iced Tea has signed on as the first presenting sponsor of the tournament, which features two-player teams competing in Rocket League, Psyonix’ hit game that has rocket-powered cars playing soccer. In a change from last year, live competition will not be shown on linear TV. Instead, live competition will be on NBC digital platforms and a to-be-named third party distributor, with linear programming focused on recorded feature and highlights episodes. NBC Sports Ventures Senior VP Rob Simmelkjaer said execs have concluded that hard-core esports fans are conditioned to watch live competition online, but on linear they need to explain more about the contest. “If you’ve just finished a hockey game or a baseball game on an RSN, at least we’re giving it to you in a way you can understand. Not dumbing it down, but presenting it in a way that’s more understandable to a newcomer,” Simmelkjaer said. Qualifying begins May 28. Regional finals will be played at the NBC-owned RSN HQ July 28-Aug. 11 (NBC Sports Washington will host the east region; SNY will host the Northeast region; NBC Sports Chicago, the central region; NBC Sports Bay Area will host the western region.) The grand finals will be Aug. 24-26 at the NBC Sports Group HQ in Stamford, Conn.
