Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Photo via Blizzard

Report: Paris and Guangzhou will have OWL slots next season

The two cities will apparently be the first to be added via expansion.
This article is over 6 years old and may contain outdated information

Teams representing Paris and Guangzhou, China, are set to join the Overwatch League as part of its expansion, according to a report by ESPN’s Jacob Wolf.

Recommended Videos

Blizzard is currently finalizing deals with Los Angeles-based holding company McCourt Global and China’s Nenking Group. Both groups have ventures in the traditional sports realm, with McCourt Global owning Olympique de Marseilles, a French soccer team, and the Nenking Group owning the Guangzhou Long-Lions of the Chinese Basketball Association.

If completed, the deals would mark the first time an expansion team has entered the league. League commissioner Nate Nanzer said in April that cities outside of the United States, especially those in Europe, would be the focus when the league expands before the second season kicks off next year. Specifically, Berlin was named as a key city in the league’s expansion plans earlier this summer, but no reports of a deal for a German OWL team have surfaced.

A previous report by ESPN estimated expansion spots would sell for around $30 to 60 million and that four to six teams would join the league during the offseason. New York Excelsior player captain Park “Saebyeolbe” Jong-ryoel told Dot Esports yesterday that he’s heard six new teams are joining the league.

The new buy-in price triples that of the league’s inaugural season, with the 12 initial teams paying $20 million each. OWL’s success so far has likely contributed to the steep jump, with an average of 80,000 to 170,000 concurrent viewers tuning in to matches.

Official announcements of the new teams will likely come after the conclusion of the Overwatch League finals tomorrow at 6pm CT, a matchup between the London Spitfire and the Philadelphia Fusion. The Spitfire gunned down the second seed Los Angeles Valiant in the semifinals to make it through, while the Fusion overcame the top seeded New York Excelsior.


Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Brian Chang
Brian Chang
Freelance reporter