Blizzard wants to take esports to the next level with the Overwatch League, a new esports organization that will be patterned after existing professional sports leagues like the NFL and NBA. The Overwatch League will begin play in 2017, but first, Blizzard will invite the world’s best players to a combine to test their skills:
The inaugural season of the Overwatch League will begin in 2017. At the start of the season, Blizzard will host a combine, where eligible players who have previously distinguished themselves in competition will be invited to try out for teams. Players at the combine will be evaluated across a range of tests, giving teams the opportunity to sign those who best round out their rosters. Anyone picked up by a team during the signing period will be guaranteed a contract that includes a baseline minimum salary and benefits package.
In addition to holding tryouts, each team in the Overwatch League will be based in a city or region to further tap into support from local fans. Who knows? Maybe in 108 years some wild-eyed old man from Chicago will be tearing up over his city’s first Overwatch League Championship in a generation.
Blizzard will reveal more about the Overwatch League in the coming months, but for now, interested fans are encouraged to visit OverwatchLeague.com to learn more.
