Blizzard predictably axes Overwatch League to ‘revitalize’ esports program

Following the 2023 Overwatch League Grand Finals, Blizzard announced it would rebuild its esports program. After six seasons, the OWL never quite lived up to its grand vision of a city-based esports league.

The publisher largely telegraphed this move. In June, Overactive Media — parent company to the Toronto Defiant — disclosed that Blizzard forgave each team’s outstanding franchising fees. Soon after, the publisher offered each team a $6 million break-up fee if the league’s expiring agreement was not renewed. If teams paid on schedule — which was likely not the case — this was a least a $12-$13.5 million incentive per team to let the league crumble.