People had a rough idea that Blizzard would launch a professional league for Overwatch, but at BlizzCon today there was the official announcement, and it was revealed that the Overwatch league would be coming in 2017.
The teams will center around major cities rather than esports organisations and Blizzard will provide salaries and manage a combined, free agency. There will also be merchandising and fantasy games associated with the league to encourage fan participation.
The Overwatch League will not feature promotion or relegation, and Blizzard hopes team owners will invest in new city teams to support the league as it grows.
On the league's official website the "Path to Greatness" has been outlined, with the announcement coming first and the preseason to follow, in which "proven stars and leaderboard heroes will assemble in one global talent pool. Teams then manoeuvre to sign the best players and build sturdy rosters for the season ahead." Ahead of that there is the inaugural season, the championship run and then a future that they hope will be bright.
What do you think of the new league - is it a good idea and will the new team structure take off?