The Pac-12 Network to Host Collegiate Esports Competitions
Collegiate esports is set to grow as the Pac-12, one of the biggest conferences in collegiate sports, has announced that it will be hosting esports competitions starting this year.
During their annual board meeting, the Pac-12 revealed that the Pac-12 Network will be hosting esports competitions featuring teams from member school campuses. The competition will include live in-studio bouts and a tournament leading to a Pac-12 championship.
“Esports is a natural fit for many of our universities located in the technology and media hubs of the country,” said Larry Scott, the Pac-12 commissioner. “Pac-12 Networks’ commitment to innovation, along with its ties to our universities and established media platform, make it the perfect organization to develop the framework for eSports intercollegiate competition.”
The Pac-12 is made up of 12 universities located throughout the Pacific Northwest, many of which have already been involved in esports competition. UC Irvine, for example, implemented a scholarship plan for esports earlier this year. Other member schools like the University of Washington and the University of California regularly field competitive teams in grassroots collegiate esports.
This is not the first time a conference has gotten involved with esports. The Big 10 Network aired a League of Legends invitational at PAX East in April, although that was an initiative of the network itself and not the conference. The Pac-12, however, appears to be committed to a more regular and long-term esports initiative.
The specific games to be featured in the Pac-12’s esports competition have not yet been determined, but it is likely that popular games such as League of Legends or Heroes of the Storm will be involved. Both Riot Games and Blizzard host major collegiate competitions where Pac-12 schools often perform well.
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