esports: end of the Overwatch League (2017-2023) following the withdrawal of two thirds of the teams

The Overwatch League (OWL), an esports competition organised by Activision Blizzard, has been discontinued after six seasons of existence, announced the American company on 09/11/2023.

This decision follows the official termination of the contract between Activision Blizzard and OverActive Media, owner of the Toronto Defiant franchise, which has been involved in the OWL since 2018, on 08/11/2023. "The agreement allows OverActive to exit its commitments in the Overwatch League and provides it with strengthened financial stability. Under the terms of the agreement, OverActive will receive a termination payment of C$8.26m (€5.6m) from Activision Blizzard," according to the structure. Chinese side Chengdu Hunters were forced to terminate their agreement ahead of the 2023 season due to the withdrawal of the Overwatch 2 game in China.

Like OverActive Media, "at least two thirds" of the owners of the 20 franchises voted to withdraw from the competition, precipitating its definitive end, according to specialised media. Activision Blizzard, which gave teams the option of withdrawing from the…