Overwatch League, the professional esports league for the renowned video game, may get shut down and cost Microsoft $120 Million in payouts. Read on to learn more.
Overwatch League Shutdown May Cost Microsoft $120 Million
Microsoft recently acquired Activision Blizzard for $69 billion after a 2-year legal battle. Unfortunately, they may need to shell out $120 million more if they decide to end the Overwatch League (OWL).
According to Jacob Wolf, an independent journalist, Activision Blizzard was in talks with each of the 20 OWL teams about the future of the league. Each team was given votes on whether or not to continue the existing league. While only some teams have given their vote, it is expected that the Overwatch League will be dissolved. Should that happen, each of the 20 teams will be given $6 million as compensation payouts. This adds up to a hefty $120 million, which Microsoft will shoulder now that they own Activision Blizzard.
Like many esports leagues, OWL struggled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected fan attendance and interest for the esport.
Regarding the future of Overwatch Esports, Activision Blizzard is in talks with ESL FACEIT Group to handle the 2024 season. ESL FACEIT was made in 2022 after Savvy Games Group acquired both the ESL and FACEIT in a billion-and-a-half dollar merger. This organization is known for running the biggest tournaments in the world for some of the most successful titles of today, like DOTA 2, Counter-Strike, League of Legends, and more.
While we’re positive that an ESL FACEIT Overwatch Tournament will be held in 2024, we are still determining if it will come in the years following.
