Blizzard originally announced the Overwatch League in November of 2016. The last official word on it came late last month, when Blizzard revealed that it had begun the process of compiling a scouting report on the top players worldwide. That may be about to change, however, as ESPN has reported that six individuals or organizations, including New York Mets owner Fred Wilpon and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, have signed letters of intent to take part in the league.
The report says the teams will be located in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and Boston in the US, Shanghai, China, and Seoul, South Korea. The buy-in cost for the LA and San Francisco teams was reportedly $20 million, but the prices for the rest weren’t disclosed. Kraft Sports Group will get the Boston team, according to the report, while Wilpon will claim the other half of that natural born rivalry in New York. Established esports organizations will take the other two US cities, Los Angeles to Immortals and San Francisco to NRG Esports.
Another rumor in May said the base Overwatch League franchise fee was $20 million, but that major markets, including NY and LA, would have to pay more. Kraft, the Patriots owner, has previously been rumored to be involved with the Overwatch League as potential owner, as has Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross. That report also said, however, that Blizzard was having trouble putting together a viable league because of the steep costs involved with team ownership; Blizzard issued a statement in response saying that it is “in active discussions with many teams and owners” from both traditional and esports organizations.
