The Overwatch League is getting bigger for 2019, a lot bigger. In addition to the two new teams announced in August, another six have just been announced, bringing the total number of teams to 20.
Joining the rookie teams in Atlanta and Guangzhou, the following companies are investing in founding new teams:
- Aquilini Group – Vancouver, Canada
- Bilibili – Hangzhou, China
- DM Esports – Paris, France
- HUYA Inc. – Chengdu, China
- OverActive Media –  Toronto, Canada
- Washington Esports Ventures – Washington, D.C.
Importantly there’s growth outside of the US, with two Canadian teams, a second European team to join the London Spitfire, and a total of four Chinese teams. Of the 20 teams, 9 of them will now be based outside the US.
But will they? The first season had all of its matches played in Blizzard’s own eSports arena in LA, week in, week out, meaning that the teams, even when named London or New York, will have almost exclusively been based there. Additionally, I still think it’s a shame that there’s only one South Korean team, when the country has provided the entire roster for New York Excelsior and London Spitfire and the backbone of several others.
There’s clearly still work for Blizzard to do in realising their vision of a truly global esport with real local support and home and away matches. Adding another half dozen teams to the roster is a step in the right direction.
Source: press release
