Activision Blizzard moves on overwatch eSports franchises

Rumours earlier this week that video game publishing giants Activision Blizzard and Riot Games are planning multi-million dollar franchise sales that could shake up the eSports economy proved at least partly true Thursday when Activision Blizzard unveiled seven franchises for its yet to be published Overwatch game and eSports league, covering New York, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Shanghai and Seoul.

ESPN reports that two of the North American Overwatch League franchises went to outsiders: Sterling Equities, which operates the New York Mets, and secured the New York spot; and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft claimed the Boston location.

ESPN notes that eSports outfits Immortals and NRG Esports are also participating in the league, claiming Los Angeles and San Francisco respectively.

Sources told ESPN that the two organisations have agreed to pay $20 million over time for their respective spots.

Further Overwatch unveilings Thursday by Activision Blizzard Entertainment, revealed that the Miami franchise has gone to Miami Heat-backed Misfits, whilst Chinese Internet technology firm NetEease Inc snapped up the Shanghai franchise, and Kevin Chou, founder and former owner of mobile gaming company Kabam, won the Seoul franchise.

Discussing Overwatch, Blizzard Entertainment CEO and founder Mike Morhaime told ESPN:

“We’re building this league for fans — eSports fans, traditional sports fans, gaming fans — and we’re thrilled to have individuals and organizations who are as passionate about professional competition as we are, and who have extensive experience in all three fields, representing our first major international cities in the league.”

The inaugural Overwatch League season is scheduled for three nights a week in Los Angeles to accommodate teams already stationed there. The teams are allowed to run up to five amateur tournaments in their respective regions, such as the Online Division and Regional Contenders.

Blizzard has yet to announce an exact launch date for the Overwatch League.