Blizzard Has Reportedly Added Two More Overwatch League Expansion Teams
It has been reported that Blizzard have sold two more spots in the Overwatch League for Season Two.
According to a report by ESPN, Blizzard have sold franchise spots based in Washington, D.C., and Hangzhou, China.
The Washington spot has reportedly been sold to a new group led by Mark Ein, owner of the Washington Kastles, while the Hangzhou team will be funded by Chinese video sharing website Bilibili.
The report also reveals that Blizzard aims to expand to 20 teams for Season Two, up from the previously-stated goal of 18. Previous reports suggest spots in Season Two are being sold $30-$60 million, depending on several factors including the Overwatch player base and general population in the franchise city.
So far, only two new teams have been officially announced, one based in Atlanta, Georgia, and one based in Guangzhou, China. In addition, Blizzard has reportedly sold spots based in Toronto, Canada and Paris, France, bringing the current total to 18 teams for Season Two. Two more are expected to be sold before the expansion period closes.
Expansion teams will soon be able to begin building rosters, with an exclusive free agent signing window opening for new teams on September 9. From October 8, Season One teams will also be able to sign free agents, and all teams must have a minimum of eight players signed by December 8.