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Research Outline

Prepared for Daniel A. | Delivered February 4, 2020

Beasley Media Group's Investments in eSports

Goals

To provide information about Beasley Media Group's investments in the eSports category, notably, their investment in Checkpoint XP. To determine their unique approach to eSports and whether they have competitors in this space. Additionally, to provide any publicly available data that might provide insight on the revenue impact of their eSports investment. To determine whether there are sponsorship on CheckPoint XP and how they are generating revenue with this brand, additionally whether they are aiming to sell subscriptions to any of its content.

Early Findings

Beasley Media Group's Investments in eSports

  • In November 2019, Beasley Media acquired the Overwatch League’s Houston Outlaws eSports team. "The Overwatch League is the first major global professional esports league with city-based teams across Asia, Europe, and North America."
  • Beasley Media's other eSports investments include Team Renegades, which was acquired in April 2019. This is an esports organization consisting of five teams, based in Detroit, Michigan.
  • Beasley Media acquired Checkpoint XP in the Fall of 2018. Checpoint XP is a weekly syndicated esports lifestyle show whose programming was featured on approximately 70 radio stations across the United States as at 2019.
  • Beasley Media's executive vice president of strategy and innovation, Buzz Knight, said "the company’s expansion into eSports is part of the company’s larger push to further terrestrial radio’s relevance and viability despite an onslaught of competitors, such as streaming platforms."

Revenue Impact of eSports Investment

  • According to an industry analyst, expansion into eSports could have big payoffs for traditional media companies.
  • Beasley Media's CEO, Caroline Beasley said that it's expansion into eSPorts could generate a number of potential revenue streams.
  • CheckPoint XP generated $138 million in revenue in 2018.

Sponsorships on CheckPoint XP

  • CheckpointXP features sponsorable streaming video and social media content. Interviews, event opportunities, live reads and endorsements are also available.
  • Checkpoint also features short-form eSports minute updates, which are available for sponsorship.
  • Beasley Media has experience in organizing events in its local markets through its dozens of radio stations, so it has plenty of experience and knowledge when it comes to the marketing, advertising, sponsorships and sales of events, which it can apply to the eSports side of its business.