Activision Blizzard confirms purchase of Major League Gaming Rumors were flying for the past week, but today, Activision Blizzard has confirmed its purchase of Major League Gaming, which will further help its efforts in the eSports world.

The rumor was flying over the past week, but today, Activision Blizzard has made it official. The company has announced that it has formally acquired Major League Gamming and is folding it into its own eSports division. The Activision Blizzard Media Networks division will now be led by former ESPN CEO Steve Bornstein and Mike Sespo, the co-founder for MLG.

"Our acquisition of Major League Gaming's business furthers our plans to create the ESPN of eSports," Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick stated via press release. "MLG's ability to create premium content and its proven broadcast technology platform - including its live streaming capabilities - strengthens our strategic position in competitive gaming. MLG has an incredibly strong and seasoned team and a thriving community. Together, we will create new ways to celebrate players and their unique skills, dedication and commitment to gaming. We are excited to add Sundance [DiGiovanni, MLG CEO and co-founder] and the entire MLG esports team to our competitive gaming initiatives."

Sales figures were not disclosed, though reports from Fortune have the sales numbers at $46 million. Activision Blizzard has gradually expanded its reach into the eSports market, offering massive tournaments for Blizzard's roster of properties (Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft, StarCraft II, Heroes of the Storm, etc.) and also the Call of Duty franchise, with Activision recently announcing the field of 30 teams for the inaugural Call of Duty World League Pro Division.

MLG will continue to operate across MLG.tv, MLG Pro Circuit, and GameBattles platforms and will continue its relationships with its partners. MLG has garnered over 100 million unique viewers over its lifespan, a number estimated to triple by 2017.