Posted in: eSports, Games, Video Games | Tagged: activision blizzard, blizzard, overwatch, Overwatch League, Pete Vlastelica

Blizzard to Add 6 More Overwatch League Teams

According to the latest reports, Blizzard plans to add six more teams to their successful Overwatch esports League, with Germany being the target country for the next Overwatch League team. Reports also indicate that South Asia and the Americas are also targets, but the priority for Blizzard's new venture seems to be Berlin.

This is in line with what the company indicated back in February, when Blizzard reps said that the League would expand for its second season. That initial report didn't come with many details, though it was echoed again earlier this month. Now, thanks to a recent interview with German website Handelsblatt, Activision Blizzard Esports Leagues CEO Pete Vlastelica confirmed that Blizzard wants to add six more teams to the league for season two. The ideal plan is for two teams come each from the Americas, Europe – Middle East, and Asia-Pacific regions.

According to PCGamer:

Vlastelica said Blizzard is focusing on Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, and "some Scandinavian regions," but he also committed to Berlin specifically. "Germany plays an important role for us. This is particularly true of Berlin with its rich history of esports, founder scene, and liveliness. Add to this the demographic profile and the cultural significance of the city," he said.

"We want a team in Berlin. We hold many discussions and, without being able to reveal details, we will have a team there at the latest next year." (The quote is Google translated, but the intent is unambiguous.)

"Discussions with stakeholders" have also taken place in France, Spain, and Sweden, Vlastelica said, although he declined to say which were most likely to get a franchise or when it might happen. He likewise declined to say how much expansion teams will cost: It was reported, but never confirmed, that the original Overwatch League franchises sold for $20 million each, but Blizzard said during its February 2018 earnings call that the price for expansion franchises will likely be higher. Sources told ESPN last May that Blizzard was struggling to establish teams because the fees were too high, but Vlastelica said the initial round of franchises actually "exceeded expectations," and added, "It is clear that the value of franchises in our league has increased since then."

Vlastelica went on to say that Blizzard would not be incorporating home-and-away games in the second season, and instead all games will be held in Burbank, CA, same as season one. The current plan is to see home-and-away games begin in the League's third season. This is likely due to the increased complexity in setting up proper LAN arenas in the various home towns.

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