Blizzard has revealed that it will be looking to expand the Overwatch League later this year with the second season.
A representative from Blizzard confirmed the news to PC Gamer, saying: “We expect to begin selling additional expansion teams in the Overwatch League later this year. We have no further details to share at this time”.
The quarterly earnings call also revealed that it expects the price of expansion teams to increase on the reported $20 million for initial franchises, and also that it expects the Overwatch League to turn a profit in its first full year of operation.
The other notable points from the call are that Blizzard is set to focus on expanding the audience and improving the viewer experience. The current season will finish in June and one would assume a second season will get underway and finish before the end of the year.
Currently there’s nine of twelve franchises over in the United States, with only three outside of the US. London Spitfire, Seoul Dynasty and Shanghai Dragons are the sole representatives from outside of North America so one would assume Blizzard will be targeting further global expansion.
Currently the League is approaching the end of the first stage of the first season – with New York Excelsior, London Spitfire, Los Angeles Valiant and Houston Outlaws all looking strong heading into the final weekend. The top three will make it to the play-off matches, with third then facing off against second before the winner takes on the top of the table team for the ultimate prize of stage one winners. After Spitfire’s defeat to Outlaws late last night, it’s all to play for and should make for an intriguing last few days.
Esports Insider says: Interesting that the price may increase past a whopping $20 million. It’s good to see the initiative that many doubted looking to make a profit in the first year of operation, too. We look forward to seeing where the new franchises will be set up. A bit of European competition could be tasty.