Why Overwatch League Is Shutting Down

screenrant.com:

Following the conclusion of the 2023 season, a vote was held by the owners of the 20 contracted teams concerning the future of the Overwatch League. With a reported two-thirds of teams electing to depart from the Overwatch League, a spokesperson from Activision Blizzard has announced that the company plans to transition away from the current model in favor of founding a new framework for competitive play.

Following the vote, Activision Blizzard will pay close to $120 million to the 20 contracted teams; while the company has announced that it will be «transitioning» away from this competitive esports program, it will «remain focused» on offering an esports program; however, not under the Overwatch League banner. Announced in 2016 and founded in 2017, the Overwatch League, sought to revolutionize and legitimize esports by adopting a system of city-based franchises similar to conventional sporting leagues such as the NFL or the NBA. Though it did not exactly replicate traditional sports, the Overwatch League played a fundamental role in the development of esports.

Related:Overwatch 2 Season 8 — Release Date, New Hero, & Battle Pass Info

Around the time of the 2023 Overwatch League final, Activision Blizzard enormously reduced the staff of its esports division, a fact that sent warning signs to numerous fans and undoubtedly to the franchise owners. In October 2023, Activision Blizzard's esports leadership team issued a path-forward plan to the owners of the 20 Overwatch League franchises, as well as paperwork allowing team owners to cast their vote on the future of the league with a resounding majority of two-thirds, the team owners elected to depart the Overwatch League — a decision that has confirmed speculation that