Forbes: “Google’s YouTube paid $160 million over three years to exclusively stream Activision Blizzard’s esports leagues and events, Sports Business Journal reported, citing sources familiar with the terms.”

“According to the report, the agreement was driven by the more proven Overwatch League, with Hearthstone basically added in for free, and includes lucrative bonuses if certain ad and viewership benchmarks are met.”

“YouTube has been attempting to grow its live-streaming capabilities and pull away market share away from Twitch, the undisputed market leader with 73% of the viewership, according to streaming toolmaker StreamElements.”