Video game company aims to create the 'ESPN of e-sports.'

Activision Blizzard has acquired Major League Gaming, which creates and streams live gaming events, organizes professional competitions and runs competitive gaming leagues.

The acquisition expands Activision Blizzard’s reach across the rapidly growing e-sports ecosystem by adding live streaming capabilities and technologies to the Activision Blizzard Media Networks division, led by former ESPN chief executive officer Steve Bornstein and MLG co-founder Mike Sepso.

“Our acquisition of Major League Gaming’s business furthers our plans to create the ESPN of e-sports," says Bobby Kotick, chief executive officer, Activision Blizzard. "MLG’s ability to create premium content and its proven broadcast technology platform–including its live streaming capabilities–strengthens our strategic position in competitive gaming. MLG has an incredibly strong and seasoned team and a thriving community. Together, we will create new ways to celebrate players and their unique skills, dedication and commitment to gaming. We are excited to add Sundance [DiGiovanni] and the entire MLG e-sports team to our competitive gaming initiatives.”

MLG will continue to operate MLG.tv, MLG Pro Circuit and GameBattles platforms, and will continue to work with its partners and other publishers across the industry.

“Sundance and I founded MLG to highlight the incredible talent of competitive gamers all over the world," says Sepso. "Activision Blizzard’s e-sports leadership, incredible intellectual property and long history in competitive gaming create a perfect home for MLG’s capabilities. The acquisition of MLG’s business is an important step towards Activision Blizzard Media Networks’ broader mission to bring e-sports into the mainstream by creating and broadcasting premium e-sports content, organizing global league play and expanding distribution with key gaming partners.”