Yesterday, we reported how a Texas-based oil magnate has set up an interactive group within his corporation, in addition to purchasing an entire esports team. He moved that Team Envy to Dallas to take claim of the Austin-Dallas, Texas spot in the upcoming Overwatch League.
As the preseason for the inaugural season of the Overwatch League approaches ever closer, we are getting even more news regarding the 12 teams that will make up the roster. Today, the Pennsylvania-based Comcast has announced (via Bloomberg) that it is acquiring the rights for the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania slot.
Comcast – the largest television broadcasting and cable corporation in the world – already owns the Well Fargo stadium in Philadelphia, its hockey team, a minor league hockey team, and a lacrosse team. It seems to be committed to adding an Overwatch esports team to its sports lineup, with it currently looking for a coach and players for the team.
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“There are 300,000 Overwatch players in the Philadelphia area,” according to the chief executive of Comcast’s sports business Dave Scott. “We like the idea of hosting events, bringing in fans and growing this market.”
Pete Vlastelica, chief executive over Activision’s MLG (major league gaming), also chimed in with his thoughts on the recent acquisition. “We’re very focused on the theme that this is premium content. I think Comcast coming in is validation of that,” he said.
The base price for purchasing one of the Overwatch League esports teams sits at $20 million. That is meant to be a bargain to jump into the esports realm early on, compared to most other traditional sports.
The currently announced 12 teams in the league will be going head-to-head in the first season when the preseason begins later this year on December 6th. The actual season will begin just over a month later on January 10th, 2018 and will run through the finals in July of next year.
