The Overwatch League (OWL) as we know it is likely coming to an end. Just moments after the Florida Mayhem won the 2023 Overwatch League World Championship, Blizzard put out a statement on the future of the Overwatch League, amid rumours that it’s ending.
We are still waiting on the specifics, but we now have confirmation that the OWL will be reformed going ahead.
The Overwatch League is not ending, just switching directions
Blizzard shared the statement on X (formerly Twitter) via the official Overwatch League account.
The post reads:
“With the completion of the 2023 Overwatch League season, we will be focusing on building our vision of a revitalised esports program. We’re eager to share more with you as details are finalized.”
It’s no secret that the OWL has been struggling in more ways than one. There has been various reports over the years that the league has been having financial problems. In Activision Blizzard’s second quarter earnings report, it was outlined that franchise owners would vote on whether or not to continue the OWL, or pay a $6 million termination fee per team.
Although we don’t know the result of the vote or if it even took place, the proposal shows just how much Overwatch is struggling in this already difficult esports climate.
In an interview with The Verge, Overwatch League director, Sean Miller, said “I want to be clear on one thing in particular, that Overwatch remains committed to a competitive ecosystem in 2024 and beyond.”
Only time will tell what the future of the Overwatch League will look like, but we can expect some major changes to be announced.
Check out more of the latest esports news:
WSOW winners, Team Biffle, tell us how you can get into competitive Warzone | Team Biffle wins the World Series of Warzone Global Finals | Skullface wins the World Series of Warzone 2023 Solo YOLO |
