After a long and hard-fought season, Boise State Esports is giving fans a rare look behind the scenes of a world-class collegiate esports program with its show, “Above the Line,” which is airing at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday nights throughout July and August on KIVI Channel 6 in Boise and Twin Falls.
This marks one of the first times a collegiate esports team has been featured on a major over-the-air broadcast network. The move builds on earlier projects like Grand Canyon University’s “Passage to Perfection,” but raises the bar with broader distribution and a deeper focus on storytelling. Produced in partnership with CSMG, the documentary follows the Broncos’ pursuit of a return to CECC May Madness.
“This is a turning point for collegiate esports,” said Angela Bernhard Thomas, chief esports officer at Collegiate Sports Management Group (CSMG). “‘Above the Line’ doesn’t just tell a story, it legitimizes it. By bringing this level of production and over-the-air distribution to the space, we’re reaching new audiences, showcasing real student-athlete journeys and giving programs like Boise State the platform they deserve. This is what the future of sports looks like.”
The collaboration between Boise State, KIVI-TV, Scripps and CSMG reflects a shared commitment to elevating collegiate esports and connecting with a wider audience. The series also opens new revenue streams for the program through regional advertising and expanded sponsorship visibility.
Originally filmed for shorter, YouTube-style content, the series blends the production style of HBO’s “Hard Knocks” and Amazon’s “All or Nothing.” Creative inspiration also came from Boise State football’s “The C.L.I.M.B.” Fans will get an inside look at the day-to-day operations of one of the nation’s most successful esports programs. This includes depth chart decisions, travel complications, the white-knuckle nerves of competition and what it means to live “Above the Line.”
The show is split into two halves. The first four episodes cover the fall semester, while the final four track the Broncos’ spring championship push. Narration is provided by voice talent Matt Sizemore, who guides viewers through the action on and off the digital battlefield.
About Boise State Esports
Boise State Esports is the official varsity esports program of Boise State and a member of Boise State Athletics. Founded in 2017 by head coach Doc Haskell, the program has recorded more than 1,500 wins, 15 conference championships and six national titles. The Broncos compete across a variety of titles, including Overwatch 2, Valorant, Rocket League, College Football 26 and Street Fighter.
About CECC May Madness
CECC May Madness is the flagship national championship for collegiate esports, developed by CSMG and EsportsU. Bringing together top teams from across the country, the event celebrates elite competition, student achievement and industry growth across multiple game titles. Now in its fifth year, CECC May Madness is widely recognized as the premier live collegiate esports event in North America.
About CSMG and EsportsU
Collegiate Sports Management Group, or CSMG, is a media and commercial rights company focused on collegiate properties, including traditional athletics and esports. EsportsU is CSMG’s collegiate esports division. It’s built to elevate student-led programs, strengthen competitive infrastructure and deliver scalable monetization strategies for institutions and publishers.