It had to happen sooner or later. The Cyberathlete Professional League (CPL) have recently announced that they have entered a TV deal with DirecTV, America's leading digital service provider. This allows DirecTV to broadcast every CPL event, and the company has exercised its option to broadcast the CPL's Winter Championships.

DIRECTV will present the CPL tournament coverage as a true sporting event. Stories of the competitors will be told via interviews, complemented with coverage of their exploits in actual competition.

"The introduction of DIRECTV as an exclusive television partner of the CPL is a significant step for the entire sport," said Angel Munoz, CPL founder and president. "I am convinced that DIRECTV will deliver a new television experience that will accelerate the growth of the sport, exceed the expectations of gamers and transform the perception of millions of television viewers."

Off the top of my head I believe the current list of CPL games is; Counterstrike 1.6, Quake 4, GRAW, Project Gotham Racing, and Halo 2.

While I don't think us in England will get to see much CPL action, does this represent a step in the right direction for gaming as a whole? Let us know what you think below.