Sports Direct plans to open esports areas in some of its stores "as it increases its collaboration with specialist games retailer Game Digital," according to the BBC. The retailer will "allow space in which to sell both physical gaming products and for players to meet and compete." Game Digital said that Sports Direct paid £3.2M ($4.4M) for 50% of its Belong business, "which provides gaming arenas." Game launched Belong about a year ago in the Manchester Trafford Centre. It now runs 10 such venues. Game Digital also hosts esports festivals under the name Insomnia. Sports Direct, which is run by Founder Mike Ashley, previously said that it "wanted to become the Selfridges of sports retailing." Selfridges is known for offering "experiences" to shoppers as well as selling physical products (BBC, 2/12).
OVERWATCH LEAGUE: THE ESPORTS OBSERVER's Thiemo Bräutigam reported the Overwatch League is "performing significantly better than many expected, including league executives and involved team owners." The league’s revenues are "exceeding its original projections by about four-times," according to sources. That is "good news for the owners and ownership groups" behind the 12 franchises that made it into season one, but "not so much for those eyeing a spot in season two." In its earnings call on Thursday, league organizer Activision Blizzard confirmed it will "raise the already steep buy-in." Sources are expecting a raise from $20M to a reported $35M-$60M (THE ESPORTS OBSERVER, 2/12).
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