We’ve already seen organizations like AVGL introduce esports on an amateur collegiate level and companies like Blizzard offer scholarships to winners of their Heroes of the Dorm competition. Today, the PAC-12 Conference (a college athletic conference incorporating a number of universities in the western United States) announced the Pac-12 tv networks would begin airing esports next year.
The announcement comes from the Pac-12 board after an internal review regarding growing interest in esports among students. Teams from campuses within the Pac-12 will play in head to head matchups and a tournament will be held. Officials are still working out which game titles will be played.
“eSports is a natural fit for many of our universities located in the technology and media hubs of the country,” said Commisioner Larry Scott. “Pac-12 Networks’ commitment to innovation as well as its natural tie to our universities and established media platform make it the perfect organization to develop the framework for eSports intercollegiate competition.”
