G4, Major League Gaming Have Got Game
Cable Network Acquires Rights to 2007 Boost Mobile MLG Pro Circuit Competitions
By Alex Weprin -- Broadcasting & Cable, 10/22/2007 3:37:00 PM
G4 acquired exclusive rights to broadcast the 2007 Boost Mobile MLG Pro Circuit competitions through Major League Gaming, the world’s largest video-game league.
The deal with MLG is the latest in a series of moves the tech-heavy cable network has made to try to broaden its appeal. In the past two weeks, the network acquired off-network rights to NBC’s Heroes and ABC serial drama Lost.
The acquisitions were not lost on MLG executives: "G4 understands video games and the male viewer. With its recent acquisition of high-profile programming like Heroes and Lost, we feel that the MLG Pro Circuit couldn't have found a better home," said Matthew Bromberg, president and CEO of MLG, in a statement announcing the deal.
G4 will also provide behind-the-scenes coverage of the competitions, including player and team profiles and background in the games being played. G4 will heavily promote the show during episodes of X-Play and Attack of the Show!, two of the network's most popular series, and programs that attract the same viewers the network hopes will watch the new series.
The first Pro Circuit competition will debut on G4 Friday, Nov. 16 at 11 p.m., with new one-hour episodes airing every Friday at 11 p.m.
