esports: ESL signs strategic partnership with the DFL (GER) to develop the Virtual Bundesliga

The Electronic Sports League, an organiser of esports competitions, has signed a "strategic partnership" with the Deutsche Fußball Liga GmbH to "further develop and professionalise the Virtual Bundesliga (VBL)" the DFL's esports competition, announced the German League on 06/11/2020. This competition between Bundesliga and 2.Bundesliga clubs has been in existence since 2012.

"Cooperation starts with immediate effect and comprises media rights and production concerning all aspects of the DFL's eFootball competition. Within the framework of the partnership, ESL is assuming responsibility for all media production surrounding the national VBL competitions. In this connection, ESL will produce featured matches of the VBL Club Championship, which sees clubs from the Bundesliga and 2.Bundesliga competing against each other, in a virtual studio complete with a presenter and stream them on the official channels of the VBL," explained the German body, while the 2020-21 Virtual Bundesliga season (26 clubs) begins on 10/11/2020.

"ESL is also acquiring comprehensive media rights to the VBL…