Blizzard announced Friday six new franchises to join Overwatch League Season 2, confirming various media reports that emerged in recent weeks. The new additions will bring the number of teams in the league to 20.
We can’t wait for the #OWL2019 season!
— Overwatch League (@overwatchleague) September 7, 2018
Here are the 8 new teams joining the league! pic.twitter.com/zhkrNYDlko
The announcement confirmed the eight expansion slots that were sold to various cities around the world, which were initially reported by ESPN.
- Aquilini Group—A diversified family business that owns the National Hockey League’s Vancouver Canucks and Rogers Arena and manages a global conglomerate portfolio will operate the team in Vancouver, Canada
- Bilibili—A leading online entertainment company in China, covering a wide array of genres and media formats—including videos, live broadcasting, and mobile games—will operate the team in Hangzhou, China
- DM Esports—A global company focused on esports entertainment and investments will operate the team in Paris, France
- HUYA Inc.—A leading game livestreaming platform in China will operate the team in Chengdu, China
- OverActive Media—An integrated company delivering esports and video game entertainment to the Canadian market will operate the team in Toronto, Canada
- Washington Esports Ventures—A sports organization founded by Mark Ein, owner of the Washington Kastles of World Team Tennis, to build and promote esports enterprises will operate the team in Washington, D.C.