Twitter Live Streaming Strategy Builds With Fast-Growing eSports Deal

Twitter Inc TWTR is on an absolute roll securing live streaming deals, and its latest deal with the fast-growing eSports industry is no exception.

With 10 NFL games on tap for the upcoming season, new deals with the NBA, NHL and MLB, in addition to live streaming the Democratic and Republican conventions, Twitter is clearly all-in on pivoting its service to more live content. It makes sense, as Twitter is one of the best platforms for live commentary of events, why not be able to watch them there as well?

"By streaming events live, especially sports, Twitter will be taking advantage of the great potential based on the people's desire to remain on top of things while also commenting on events simultaneously," said Rami Soufi, managing director of Global Media LLC, owner of eurofantasyleague.com.

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The newest deal Twitter could be the largest one of all. While you don't hear about it too much, eSports is a big industry. Esports is considered professional electronic gaming in a competitive environment – and they compete for a lot of money.

The global eSports industry is expected to reach $463 million this year, and the figure continues to grow. On Thursday, Alisports (a segment of Alibaba BABA) indicated they would be investing over $150 million in eSports through the International eSports Federation.

The federation is even attempting to convince the International Olympic Committee of the legitimacy of eSports by entering it as an Olympic event. The IOC will comment by December.

Twitter will live stream its first eSports event this week – the ELeague semifinals and championship, featuring the game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. This is first time an eSports event will be broadcast live on the platform.

"This new deal kills two birds with one stone (grows user base and increases engagement). They are pushing hard for streaming video about topics that will engage people (politics, sports, etc.) because that will help them grow their earnings," said Matthew Tuttle, CIO of Tuttle Tactical Management.

While there is no shortage of content, it remains to be seen how users react to the new additions.