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We’re finally starting to grasp the numbers behind many big streamers’ exclusivity deals. According to Justin Warden, CEO of Ader marketing and talent agency, Ninja is making between $20-30 million on his multi year deal with Mixer. The number was reported by Shannon Liao for CNN. She talks about the streaming wars, and interviews some big players in them.
The coronavirus has had a huge impact on esports so far, and it may not be done. Many teams and leagues are rescheduling, cancelling operations or relocating due to the outbreak. Here is a list of announcements:
- LCK will have no live spectators
- Start of Pacific Championship Series (PCL, LoL) has been postponed
- Shanghai Dragons moving operations to Korea and monitoring Feb homestand
- Guangzhou Charge moving operations to Korea
- Chengdu Hunters will be taking “Extreme Caution” with players and staff
There will certainly be more updates regarding all of these situations.
The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has introduced Talent Agent Regulations. Some of the biggest esports talent agencies have signed off on the regulations, and made statements in a letter that the ESIC sent out.
Could the best esport that never truly was, Smash Bros. Melee finally be having its swan song? Imad Khan at The Washington Post reports that viewership was down nearly 70,000 people from last year’s Genesis to this year. To be fair, this weekend was a very busy one in the esports world. CDL launched, the first week of LCS was played, and the huge cultural impact of Kobe Bryant’s untimely death all could have played factors into the decrease in viewership. Khan takes a deep dive into Melee’s other problems, and why it really could be it this time.