Activision Blizzard has announced two more companies that have been successful in acquiring slots in its upcoming Call of Duty franchised league.
Both Los Angeles and Minnesota have now been confirmed for the league, taking the tally of announced franchises up to seven.
WISE Ventures is a Manhattan-based investment fund that typically focuses on companies in their early stages and has acquired the Minnesota slot. Immortals Gaming Club – the parent company of Immortals, MIBR, OpTic Gaming, Los Angeles Valiant and Gamers Club – will house a Los Angeles-based team come 2020.
Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard discussed the new franchises in a release: “I’m excited to welcome the newest teams, Los Angeles and Minnesota, to our incredible lineup – Atlanta, Dallas, New York, Paris and Toronto – for Call of Duty esports. Together, these ownership groups represent some of the very best organizations in esports and traditional sports who will join us in paving the way for the future of professional, city-based competition for Call of Duty.”
The first five franchises to board the league were announced at the beginning of May. Atlanta Esports Ventures, Envy Gaming, Sterling.VC, c0ntact Gaming, and OverActive Media own the spots for Atlanta, Dallas, New York, Paris, and Toronto, respectively.
Ari Segal, CEO of Immortals Gaming Club also commented: “By participating in the city-based model, we recognize the opportunity that the new Call of Duty esports league creates for us to tap into two existing sources of affinity: regional or city-based pride, and affinity for Call of Duty itself. Call of Duty League also allows us to scale the relationships we’ve been fortunate to build with both Activision Blizzard Esports leadership and senior management into a new and largely distinct market segment.”
Immortals Gaming Club recently acquired the biggest brand in the history of Call of Duty esports: OpTic Gaming. In the works for a while, the acquisition was officially announced last month.
Jonathan Wilf, Executive at WISE Ventures added: “Esports and competitive gaming has clearly emerged as a major force in the sports and entertainment industry. We have explored various opportunities in esports over the past few years, and we believe the new Call of Duty esports league is well positioned for long term success.”
Esports Insider says: It’s no surprise to see Immortals Gaming Club acquire a spot considering its recent purchase of the OpTic Gaming brand. WISE Ventures, on the other hand, is definitely a more unpredictable buyer. We’re intrigued to see where Activision Blizzard will cap the amount of franchises in the league for its inaugural season.