Overwatch League announced, will include player salaries and localized teams
During the Opening Ceremony of BlizzCon 2016, Blizzard announced Overwatch League, a competitive ecosystem for professional Overwatch players. The initiative will focus on bringing “long-term stability for teams as well as opportunities for players to establish the types of professional careers associated with traditional sports.”
Overwatch League will start in 2017. Blizzard will host a combine for invited players to try out for teams through a variety of “tests.” Those who are picked for teams during the signing period will be guaranteed a contract with a minimum salary and benefits package.
Most interestingly, Overwatch League teams will represent major cities from different regions. After these city-based teams have been placed in the league, their spots are secured. Blizzard said that this format would give these teams “the best opportunity to grow and thrive for years to come.” It is not known how this will affect the parameters of the nationality of chosen players in relation to their representative city teams, if at all.
More information will be shared over the next few months. Blizzard has encouraged players who are interested in taking part to make a name for themselves in Overwatch, though what exactly this entails wasn’t specified.
Yahoo Esports is covering BlizzCon this weekend. Keep an eye on the site for the latest in esports news as it breaks from the show floor.
Source: Yahoo eSports