Around the Biz 2/15/19: Activision Blizzard Feels Effects of Massive Layoffs; CBS Preps for NFL Rights Battle

Here’s a quick roundup of the big news buzzing around the sports-media industry today:

The Fallout of Activision Blizzard’s Massive Layoffs; Esports Dept. Hit Hard (Kotaku)

CBS CEO Says Network Will ‘Do What Is Necessary’ to Hang on to NFL Rights (Variety)

Report: Pac-12 Schools Receiving Fraction of Expected Pac-12 Networks Payouts (The Mercury News)

Verizon Adds CONCACAF Rights to Yahoo Sports App (Sports Pro Media)

Is It Illegal to Use VPN to Stream MLB.TV? (The TV Answer Man)

Expect New Fox To ‘Ride the Live Wave’ and Continue Acquiring Sports Rights (Bloomberg)

Don Garber Signs New Five-Year Deal to Remain MLS Commissioner (ESPN)

ESL Announces “Simpler, More Powerful” Rebrand (Esports Insider)

Overtime Scores $23M Investment as Sports-Video Competition Grows (Forbes)

A Broadcaster’s Guide to Washington Issues (TV NewsCheck)

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