Microsoft may lose $120 million due to the Overwatch League shutdown | Windows – Buy Aussie News

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The Overwatch League’s 20 teams are currently voting whether or not they want Activision Blizzard to dissolve the league.
Most are expected to vote to end the league. If this happens, Activision Blizzard — now under Microsoft’s wing — will pay each $6 million. This adds up to $120 million in total.
Each team reportedly paid $7.5 million in fees to play in the league, and millions more in operating costs.
The Overwatch League has been on the decline for some time now. Activision Blizzard is expected to work with ESL FACEIT Group for the 2024 season of Overwatch esports.

When Blizzard Entertainment’s premier esports Overwatch League organization shuts down, Microsoft — which recently finalized its $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard after nearly two years of fighting regulatory roadblocks — may lose $120 million.

According to a report, Activision Blizzard approached the Overwatch League’s 20 franchises with a plan for the future of Overwatch 2 esports, along with a request to cast votes for or against the continuation of the existing league, in October. Though the company hasn’t received every organization’s proposal yet, it’s expected that most will vote to dissolve the Overwatch League.

If that happens, Activision Blizzard plans to give each of the league’s 20 teams a compensation payout of $6 million. That adds up to $120 million in total, and with Activision Blizzard now under Microsoft’s wing, that money will ultimately come from its checkbook. Reportedly, each franchise paid over $7.5 million in fees to participate in the Overwatch League, with operating costs since 2017 costing additional millions.

Mauga, the latest tank hero who’s scheduled to come to Overwatch 2 in December. (Image credit: Activision Blizzard)

The writing for the Overwatch League has arguably been on the wall for some time, as it…