Madison Square Garden Company moves into the esports business

Madison Square Garden Company has moved into the esports market after acquiring a controlling stake in League of Legends side Counter Logic Gaming, and broadcasters in South East Asia and Australia prepare to launch Reality TV style esports shows.

In 2015, the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City played host to the North American League of Legends (LOL) Championship Series Summer Finals. It was the first time the home of sport in the Big Apple had entertained the esports crowd. Counter Logic Gaming (CLG) won the title. The Madison Square Garden Company must have liked what they saw.

Earlier today, ESPN announced that CLG would join the likes of the New York Knicks, and the New York Rangers, in the Madison Square Garden Company Sports Division, in a deal that ensured a controlling stake in the esports team.

Founded in 2010, CLG is the oldest LOL team in the business, but also has teams heavily involved in five other esports games. The sports advisory company Catalyst Sports & Media brokered the deal. The price is a secret.