Twitch is the giant of streaming media as the company has gone beyond just streaming games. The NBA 2K League and Twitch have both announced a multiyear partnership that will include live streams of all NBA 2K League games. This marks the first media rights deal for the newly formed league that is based on the NBA 2K franchise. With this partnership, Twitch will be streaming up to 199 games throughout the season including weekly matchups, three in-season tournaments, playoffs and the NBA 2K League Finals.

“This is a groundbreaking partnership for the NBA 2K League,” said NBA 2K League Managing Director Brendan Donohue. “Twitch shares our innovative spirit and commitment to putting the gaming community first, and is the ideal home to provide our passionate 2K, NBA and esports fans around the world with the opportunity to catch all the excitement of our inaugural season.”

Twitch will be working directly with the NBA 2K League to build innovative extensions including interactive overlays. The creation of the NBA 2K League and the attention behind it could usher in the future of e-sports to the masses. The Madden Championship has had some traction on ESPN, however a dedicated setup like what the NBA 2K League has could plant its foot firmly has the true innovator. The season starts in May.